Scintilla Project: I Think I Can

Prompt:  Being trapped in a confined environment can turn an ordinary experience into a powder keg.  Write about a thing that happened to you while you were using transportation.

 

She never understood why train stations held such an allure for their enthusiasts.  They were cold, lonely places that gave her the chills and she avoided them as much as possible. 

 

Standing on the platform her eyes were drawn to the yellow line which caused her stomach to lurch.  A single strip of color that shouted "stay away from the edge".  She averted her gaze, looked around uncomfortably then feigned sudden interest in her finger nails. 

 

As the train pulled into the station her heart rate quickened and she felt the surge of the people surrounding her.  The yellow line continued to shout "stay back" but she was swept forward regardless.  One by one passengers stepped up onto the train and then it was her turn.

Looking between the platform and the train was a gap . . . a gap that she had to bridge . . . a gap which terrified her.  Closing her eyes she breathed in, steeled herself and then jumped.  Her hands were shaking but as she opened her eyes she found herself in the train carriage.  The breath she'd been holding came out hard and fast. 

 

Feeling a little unsteady she found the closest seat and sat down.  Leaning into it she blocked out the stains she'd glimpsed and the smell of fast food that hung heavy in the air, simply thankful for the solidity of it against her back.  Her pulse began to slow, her breathing returned to normal.  She felt her body relax a little and she settled in for the ride. 

 

Arriving at London train station, jostled by the crowd she was thankful to have her feet on solid ground.  The entrance to the tube station loomed ahead of her and she began to sweat.  Turning her head over her should she glimpsed a taxi rank sign and quickly headed in that direction.