Settle in for the long ride home

You set your baggage in the overhead rack and slide into your seat. It is shockingly clean and comfortable compared to the seats on the many city buses you have taken since your car was immolated. You look out the window. Above the industrial sprawl that the station sits in, you can see the glittering skylines of the city reflecting the morning light. Once upon a time your dreams of university, wealth, power, and women were tied up in that skyline. You wanted a corner office up there somewhere, driving fast cars, and living the high life as you thought that you deserved. You thought that if you had enough gumption, enough work ethic, if you were good enough, that you could come out here and make something out of yourself. You feel yourself frowning and clenching. The train shutters and then pulls away from the station platform.

“So it goes.” You sigh and look away. You unclench your jaw and take a deep breath. You sigh again.

“Ticket please.” You turn and meet the eyes of the conductor, scanner out, ready to take your ticket. You awkwardly fumble for a second to get your ticket out.

“Here.” You say, handing over the ticket. It takes but a moment for them to scan it and hand it back.

“Thank you.” They say as they are off down the aisle. You take off your jacket and lay it over you like a blanket and try to get some shut eye. Despite how early it is, you are still tired enough that sleep comes easy.