The Spirit Train – Part 2

The colorful mist fully surrounded us, and the forest outside seemed to brighten and sharpen, no longer obstructed by the fog. Figures started moving in front of us, coming in through the train car door, except they didn’t need to open it. My heart raced, and I instinctively grasped Ren’s arm. She patted my hand and chuckled, “Look!”

I focused my gaze; her calmness eased my panic. A beautiful woman was dancing towards us, skirts floating gracefully around her. She was practically shining, pastel colors reflecting off her like a gem being struck by starlight. The woman blew me a kiss, and my lips tingled. As she passed us, her pale fingers grazed Ren’s cheekbone.

Next, a man who was a bit hunched over shuffled past, and when he glanced at us, one of his eyes was dangling out of its socket. I immediately startled and flinched away, and the man seemed to chuckle at that.

Ren started laughing at me when the Assistant Conductor appeared out of nowhere, “A real jokester, that one!”

I narrowed my eyes at him again, and he grinned in return. After a handful of people, or spirits, or whatever they were, had made their way past us, the forest outside became even brighter. The trees and grass shifted in color, like nothing I had ever witnessed. An enormous white stag emerged. It eyed us curiously as the train kept moving. The stag was glowing, with particles like pollen surrounding it, twinkling in the light. Seemingly to lock eyes with Ren, it subtly bowed its head at her.

“My!”, chimed in the Assistant Conductor, “That is a rare gift indeed!”

A pale blue fox with many tails hopped along beside us for a while, and a toothy grin and lolling tongue responded to our waves. Then a bear appeared up ahead, it got on its hind legs and roared at us. It seemed more like a greeting than a threat, and it comforted me. A great protector making its presence known.

I hadn’t even realized that I was lost in the experience when the old train station reappeared. The colors had dispersed, and we were back home. The train came to a screeching halt, and the doors hissed open.

“We hope you enjoyed the Spirit Train!” The Assistant Conductor said happily, clapping his hands together. “Off you go!”

I had so many questions, but before I could ask them, he was gone. I got up and headed towards the door, but Ren remained seated.

“Ren? Come on! We need to get home!” I had completely forgotten I had left in a hurry with no explanation. I also had no idea what time it was; my parents were probably worried sick.

“I want to stay! That was so lovely!”

“You can’t stay, Ren!” I pleaded with her as she frowned at me. I had no idea how long we had to get off the train, so I made her an offer.

“How about we come back in five years?”

“You promise?”

“I promise, if you want to come back, I will come with you. Give it five more years, for me?”

Ren grinned, and we bolted out the doors together. We waited on the crumbling station as the train left, and we stayed until it disappeared out of sight. Arm in arm, we walked towards our homes, and I couldn’t help but notice how colorless and dreary the real world seemed now. I glanced over at Ren and gasped.

“Ren! Your cheekbone, where she touched you, is shimmering!” Her hand flew up to gently touch her cheekbone, and she grinned. Flipping out a pocket mirror, she admired her new look, moving her face back and forth; it shimmered beautifully in the moonlight.

Suddenly, her eyes darted to my lips. “Wow, your lips are brighter! Like they’ve been pinched and flushed with blood.”

“No way!” I snatched her mirror from her as she doubled over laughing. I was normally very calm. They were indeed more colorful and just a touch more plush. I loved it.

“What incredible souvenirs we got!” We happily skipped the rest of the way, and I wondered aloud, “What was in that tea?”

…

What did you think of the story? Would you have stayed? Let us know in the comments below!

Thank you so much for reading!

–Clever & WTF