The Train To Many Places - Chapter 1

 

The Train To Many Places

A novel

By Paul McCann

 

Chapter 1

 

The Lighthouse At Lands End

 

Dave Malakick lost his wife and children in a terrorist attack when they were on an overseas holiday . In that moment he lost everything and everyone her loved and it took him a while to come to terms with all that however eventually he found the strength to carry on  .

He found some benefit going out on his bike and enjoyed the open spaces of the countryside . On those quiet roads he was able to escape  .  

On one occasion he was on the bike going down from the mountain to the coast and he came across a small café where he pulled over for a rest and some refreshments .

He left his bike outside  the front of the cafe and went in to order some food and went in to use the bathroom .

On his return to the table, he was horrified to see his bike was gone .

He asked a man who was sitting there at an outside table if he seen who took his bike and the man smiled and said to Dave .

 

“Well even if I did what good would it do as your bike is gone “

Dave started to panic . His mind flashbacked to the day he lost his wife and children .He went into a panic and started screaming.

“How can I live without my bike . What am I going to do now , how am I going to get home ?’’ 

The man there replied softly and reassuringly.

“I know it looks bad but fear not everything is going to be ok “

The words penetrated deep and Dave immediately seemed to forget about his stolen bike .]

The waitress brought Daves order of food and placed it on the table where he sat down and started eating . Just as Dave was finishing his food he looked and asked.

 

“So, are you from around these parts ?”

The man replied , .

““No, I’m just visiting here and  have to return home tomorrow . Just wondering if you wanted to have my free train travel pass because I won’t be needing it now and there’s about two weeks travel still left on it .“

Dave looked pleased and replied .

“Are you sure you don’t need it ?”

The man handed it over saying.

“Here , you’re welcome to it and if you want my advice , take time to get off at every stop there are many wonderful places to see along the way . I can drop you at the station if you like . I’m heading that way now. 

 

He dropped Dave at the railway station and gave him a farewell wave as he drove away . In that moment he was gone and Dave walked up to the platform and waited fort a train to come in . He was in a strange state of mind but totally at peace with himself and the world .

The next thing he noticed was a lady standing there on the station . She was also waiting for a train . He looked at her and there was  something kind supernatural about her . She reminded him of his wife and he wondered why she was there . She seemed lost and looking for an answer to a question that was on her mind ,

Standing by the railway tracks she turned around and asked .

“Are you waiting like myself for the next train ?’“

Dave never spoke because he felt as if he was looking at his wife and was in a state of suspended time questioning how this can be and what he wanted to say and even what he could do . Somehow in that moment it was as if they were two souls on a journey waiting for a train  just passing through from one place to another . He thought where would they go and how long would they wait and how far would it be to the next stop .\In that moment the train arrived at the platform and they both got on board .

They were the only two  people who sat in the carriage and the train closed the doors it made it way along the tracks .

“Where are you going ?

She asked him and he replied .

“On a journey . I don’t know maybe just a little further down the track , to any place . I don’t really care to be honest because I’ve nothing to go back to and to be honest I don’t know what lies ahead . A man gave me his free travel pass so It’s like a magical mystery tour . Where are you going ? ”

 

” To a place where everything’s ok . There is no reason to for me to get off because I’m going to the end of the line / All  the way to my destination wherever that will be . See it really doesn’t matter much to me . “

He looked at her and she seemed sad .

“How long where you waiting for a train ?

She replied.

“Day and  night  I waited and then you came and the thing the train came .”

 

The train travelled through tunnels and through valleys deep and wide ,

passing fields and rivers to the mountains and seaside .

The it came rolling into a station and Dave said to her .

“I was told to get off at every stop “

She replied.

“It was nice to travel with you for a short while . Maybe we’ll meet again sometime .”
Dave replied ,

“I hope so . Sorry to leave but I can’t stay . I have to be on my way now “:

She smiled and said ,

 

“Be safe . Maybe we can catch up again on another train ,  on another day “.

 

Dave got off the train that was out of sight in minutes . He walked down the ramp and shoed his travel pass to the attendant standing there .

 

“If you want my advice, I’d take the free horse and carriage trip there outside the station . Anyone who has a free travel pass can get a free horse and carriage ride to alone the ocean road and there is free accommodation thrown in as well for people with a travel pass .

Dave took the advice and git on the horse carriage and the driver took the ocean road to the lighthouse at the end of the point where the driver said ,

“This is your free accommodation stop .“

Dave said.

“Ok so how long can I stay here ?”

The driver answered ,.

‘I’ll pick you up in the morning at 9 for the train leaving at ten.

   

“Oi till tomorrows then and that’s not very far away”.

 

The driver waved and said.

“Have a nice evening “

The horse trotted off back the way it came .

 

The man who lived inside the lighthouse came out to welcome Dave and invited him inside . He took him to a room  and said ,

 

“My name is Bill Tully  and this place is known as Lands’ End Lighthouse where some say time stands still . You’re very welcome here to this place”.

 

Dave replied.

“Thank you, Bill . I’m feeling really tired . Maybe I’ll have a rest for an hour “

Bill replied ,

Tonight, there will be some fireworks if you’re interested . You’re welcome to  join me in the viewing platform at the top of the lighthouse .Its a nice view from up there  “

Dave replied ,

“Ok I’ll do that Bill . What time do the fireworks begin ?“

Dave asked and the reply came /.

“Right after dinner . That’s how it usually goes . I knock on your door when dinner is ready . Just take it easy now . Do you hear , do not fear . Its all ok  .“

He closed the door and left Dave to the peace of his room  where he lay down and fell fast asleep on the bed,  He had a beautiful dream that he was on holidays at the seaside with his wife and children . The dream seemed so real and they were all so happy together again .

Then the knock on the door awoke Dave from his sleep . On awakening Dave had forgotten the dream and was feeling hungry . Bill brought him to the dining room where they both enjoyed a meal and a drink before the fireworks started . There was another wonderful sight  the sky . A display of the sun’s activity brought an array of different colours across the sky and then the fireworks began /

Bill and Dave watched the beautiful show and shared a few worlds .

:”It must be lonely living here Bill
‘Well I got uses to  living here by myself . You see my wife and children were lost at sea in a storm that sank the ship they were on and after that this lighthouse was built and they needed someone to live here and keep an eye on things . So, as I had nothing better to do so I took the job and haven’t regretted it for a moment . I get regular visitors like yourself who stop here.”

Dave smiled and shook his hand and said ,

“I’m sorry you lost your family “

Now they both had something in common and they sat up all night talking about their families and the things they used to do .

The morning arrived and Bill had a bag packed for Dave .

“I’ve no need for these clothes and bits and pieces Dave and as we’re we are about the same size I thought you might be able to use them “

Dave was very grateful of the clothes and took the bag .

After a light breakfast the horse and carriage arrived to bring Dave to the railway station to wait for another train on his journey into the unknown   .

 

End Of Chapter 1

 

Link to Chapter 2

https://www.abctales.com/story/mcscraic/train-many-places-chapter-2

 

The Train To Many Places

A novel

By Paul McCann

 

 

 

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