Pitter patter.
Raindrops land on the puddle on the platform, forming concentric waves. The man looks at his watch. 5 more minutes, he thought. 5 more minutes. He strolls towards the vending machine, take out a coin from his right pocket and insert into the slot. He makes his selection, and the drink tumbles to the bottom with a thud. He picks it up, pulls the ring and watches as fog exits the opened can. He takes a sip of the hot coffee, then glances around the empty platform.
Pitter patter.
The rain hinders visibility, and he cannot see further than the end of the train. But he wishes that he can see her silhouette from far away. He
knows that he can recognise her even in a crowd. But the platform is empty.
She is not coming. He looks disappointed. I will leave. 4 more minutes. 4 long minutes. Even if she shows up at the last second, then at least I know that not all hope is lost.
Pitter patter.
The rain does not seem to stop or want to stop anytime soon. It has been raining non-stop for days. Since that day. He finishes the can of hot coffee and tosses it onto the floor. The platform is still empty. He looks at the signboard. It reads "LAST TRAIN 0040". This is the last train out. And he the only passenger. A reluctant passenger. But he has to leave.
Pitter patter.
Tears drop onto his boots, well-polished originally but soiled but the mud in the downpour. What have I done? I regret everything. But it is too late. What has been done has been done. I have to leave. So that her life remains as intact as possible. 2 more minutes and I will leave everything behind.
Pitter patter.
He takes one desperate look at the rain-soaked platform.
Empty. Only puddles.
"This train will depart in 1 minute. 1 minute. All passengers please board the train. Please mind the platform gap."
The last train. He boards the train. And looks out of the doorway. Still hoping for a miracle. That glimmer of hope. The idea of a return to the good old days.
Pitter patter.
"The doors are closing."He steps back, unable to hold back his tears anymore. The platform is still empty.
The train starts to pick up speed as it pulls out of the station.
Please. Please. Please. Let it be like the movies. Even a glimpse of her running after the train is sufficient. But no one answers his prayers. The platform is still empty. His cries are muffled out by the rumbling of the train as it speeds along the track out of the station.
Pitter pat.
The rain stops. The lights at the station switch off as the last train has departed.
The platform is still empty. Apart from an empty can of coffee lying on the ground.
