The Last Train Home

The Station Was Empty

The station was nearly empty, the cold wind cutting through the benches. Emma clutched her coat tighter, staring at the digital board as the seconds ticked away. She wasn’t usually late. She wasn’t usually reckless. But tonight, everything felt off.

A Shadow in the Dark
A flicker of movement caught her eye. A man, leaning against a pillar, watched her intently. She shook her head, telling herself she was imagining things. The train’s rumble grew louder, vibrating beneath her feet.

The Moment of Decision
As she stepped onto the platform, the man followed. Her heart raced, but she couldn’t move fast enough—not without looking like a fool.

Then the train arrived, doors sliding open with a mechanical sigh. She hesitated for just a second. That second felt like an eternity.

The Note
When she finally boarded, she glanced back. The platform was empty. The man was gone.

For a moment, she thought she had imagined it all. Then, tucked under her coat on the seat, she found a folded note that read:

"You were brave tonight. Don’t ever forget it."

Emma stared at it, mind spinning, wondering who he was—and why he had vanished before she could ask.

The Departure
The train doors closed. Outside, the station lights flickered one last time before plunging into darkness.

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The House on Willow Drive

When the police knocked on Ethan Miller’s door at 6:42 a.m., he already knew somebody had died. It’s strange how the body senses these things before the mind does. The knocking wasn’t frantic. It wasn’t aggressive either. It was calm. Professional. The kind of knock that delivers news you can’t undo. He opened the door in yesterday’s T-shirt, coffee untouched on the table behind him. “Mr. Miller?” the older officer asked. “Yes.” “We’re sorry to inform you that your mother, Helen Miller, passed away early this morning.” The words didn’t land right away. They hovered in the doorway like smoke. “How?” Ethan asked. “Heart attack. Neighbors heard a fall around 4 a.m. Paramedics arrived within minutes, but she was already gone.” Ethan nodded slowly. No tears. No shock. Just a hollow pressure behind his ribs. She had died alone. After the paperwork, the condolences, the awkward silence, and the offer for someone to drive him to the station, Ethan stayed standing in the ...

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