The Five Oclock Train

Eric J. Millar

Josefs bags weighed heavy on his shoulders as he walked on the platform, the wooden planks creaking and groaning with age beneath his boots. He lifted his head, weary from days of travel already behind him, and searched the train station for others, finding only the ticket man standing with his back stiff and arms tight to his sides, near the gate separating the platform from the tracks. wore a dull grey uniform and a pointed black hat that shined in the setting autumn sun, his thin shoulders making him look like a bullet waiting to be loaded. underneath the heavy load. Is the five oclock train on time? dropping his bags to the ground. You can not leave your luggage there. He scolded. He It will hinder the movement of the other passengers. its lofty perch on his neck. Josefs shoulders shook as he lifted the suitcases. Is the five oclock..? The five oclock train is always on time. ticket man smiled. seat and wait patiently like everyone else. Josef shrugged, bringing the shoulder straps closer to his neck. Thank you. He said lightly before turning to find a bench. Josefs hand held his luggage tight as a mob of men fell upon the station. The men wore black suits and many Josef saw a man wearing a wore grey shirts underneath with red or blue neckties tied perfectly around their necks. plaid suit that looked like the leaves on a tree ready to fall, brilliant orange and yellow squares covering him from 1 The Now, if you would please just find a He asked, Josef approached cautiously, making each step more of a struggle He

glared at Josef, his face angling down just slightly from

The Five Oclock Train head to toe. ears. noise.

Eric J. Millar

All the men were speaking at the same time

and filled the air with such a clamor that it hurt Josefs He released the straps and held his hands flat He looked at the ticket man who stood like a A glance at Josefs watch told against the sides of his head but failed to block out the monument above them all.

him that it was nearing five oclock. Three screams from the engine filled the air and a tail of steam could be seen above the fence. the wooden barrier. The train slowed and then stopped, the engine barely visible above Josef gritted his teeth and removed He struggled with his bags as the The ticket his hands from his ears.

men in suits lined up neatly at the gateway. river of men surged through. doorway into the car.

man opened the gate with one long, smooth gesture and a Each man paused for a moment, showed their ticket, and then disappeared through the Over the din of voices Josef heard the ticket man punching each ticket, doing it so quickly that it sounded like a machine gun. The line moved fast and Josef stumbled along behind it with his heavy baggage. When the last suited men boarded Josef let go of his the ticket man slammed the gate shut. ticket. Wait, please. this train. Just for a moment. Ive got to get on Spare change and paperclips fell from Josefs The five oclock is yet

luggage again and began digging through his pockets for his

pockets to the ground at the ticket mans feet. This is not your train, sir. to arrive. The ticket man put a black iron padlock onto

the gate and closed it with a loud click.

The Five Oclock Train Josef looked at his watch in a panic. minutes to five. That must be my train. No, it is not. has yet to arrive. luggage there. passengers.

Eric J. Millar Its two

That must be the five oclock train. I assure you, sir, the five oclock Now please, you cannot leave your

It will hinder the movement of the other Josef took the handles of his suitcases

Please find a seat and wait patiently.

Thank you.

and dragged them back to his bench. Josef stared at his watch, noting each movement of the hands as it neared five oclock. As the minute hand reached twelve and the hour hand reached five a train could be heard in the distance, its engine roar and horn blare distorted by speed. quickly to the gate. Josef gathered his things and moved The ticket man stood unmoving as the

train arrived and departed without stopping, a blur of metal and steam passing behind the fence into the horizon. Josefs arms went limp and his bags again dropped to the floor. You cant leave your bags there, sir. man said. But that was my train. That was the five oclock. Josef said, his voice filling with defeat. Well, I guess you missed it then, didnt you sir? It didnt even stop. picking anyone up. ready for it. It just zipped past without You just were not Without picking me up! The ticket

The five oclock was on time.

The ticket man began spinning a key ring, You didnt even open the

which held five long silver keys, around his index finger. I wasnt ready for it? gate.

The Five Oclock Train I didnt? round and round.

Eric J. Millar

The ticket man chuckled as the ring spun Perhaps you just were not watching? Josef

Perhaps you nodded off and did not see me open the gate? I was sitting on the bench, just over there. I saw everything! And you missed it anyhow. The ticket man closed his He glared at hand, stopping the keys inside his grip. suitcases on the floor. What did I tell you, sir? bags there. morning. Josef took his bags and returned again to the empty wooden bench. Night fell upon the train station, dim lamps shining amber light across the boards. his eyelids creeping shut. even into the late hours. to relieve him. Josef began falling asleep, He forced his eyes open and He never left his place, not to No men came You can not leave your Now please have a seat and wait patiently. yelled, pointing his finger back at the empty wooden bench.

Josef with menacing eyes, smiled, then looked at the

You can purchase another ticket from the booth in the

stared at the ticket man standing attentively at his post, take a drink of water or to use the restroom.

The ticket man stared into the night sky, Josefs eyes closed gently as

watching and waiting for more passengers to arrive, for more tickets to be punched. he gave in to the temptation of sleep. Josef knocked gently on the iron grating over the ticket booth window. He looked at his watch and saw it was already ten oclock and still no one manned the station. Three trains had come and gone by then, the men in suits lining up and piling into each of them. He waited for 4

The Five Oclock Train

Eric J. Millar

three more hours before giving up and sitting back on his bench. At three oclock he approached the ticket man, who was the same one as the day before, still standing like a statue at his post. The man stared past Josef, his arms Josef asked, The ticket still clinging tight to his sides. Is the five oclock train on time? dropping his bags to the floor. The five oclock is always on time, sir. mans lips cracked into a grin. your bags there. passengers. everyone else. THE END But you can not leave

It will hinder the movement of the other

Please take a seat and wait patiently like