I looked at this small, young boy in disbelief. I didn’t really want to believe that he was here, but what other answer could there be? I wasn’t really used to handling children, especially in this line of work, so I didn’t really know what to do. I looked down, “How did you find this station, stranger?” I asked with a face I probably shouldn’t have made and a tone too obviously confused.

“I-I’m not sure… I got lost, I guess. On my way home, I mean,” the kid said meekly, looking too scared to look me in the eyes.

“Oh, uh, don’t worry. You’re not in trouble but, well, your type doesn’t usually come ‘round here often, so…” my words trailed off. In the many years I’ve been working, it’s never good when a kid comes here. I never liked it when the passengers were young. The younger, the worse. Poor kid, he was someone’s son. “Usually, the gentlemen who ride pass through a graveyard to get here. The stones’re all worn and old o’er there, y’know? Did you? I don’t mean to be aspersin’ you but, I just guess you don’t really belong here.”
“I didn’t really see anything like that. Oh and I’m sorry - but, I don’t really know how to get back.”

“No no, don’t be sorry. We’re all friendly here. The engineer is my brother and the stoker is my friend. I’m sure you’ll be acquainted once it's done. The trip is sort of a long one. You’ll be going through a lot of places. Life will be rushing in front of the windows. But, where this ol' train is going, you ain’t coming back,” I said the last part, wincing a bit, but I hoped he didn’t notice.

“Well, that’s alright. Um, how much for tickets?”

“No, no need for tickets. You don’t need ‘em. The train’ll take you… when it’s time.”

“I’m already here, so I guess I’ll get on anyway. Besides, I can’t really find my way back, so…”

“Well, if you’re so resolute, ‘guess you’re welcome to come along. Leave your bag here. You won’t really be needin’ it. And besides, the one’s you’ll be leavin’ behind will find some use for it.” I guess there was no use in stalling the inevitable. Besides, the other passenger would be awfully indignant if the train took any longer to put ‘em down. I held the kids hand as we climbed up onto the stairs. I looked down to him one last time and told him, “I just hope you’ll be at rest once you get to your destination.”