Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: JOURNEY (01/13/22)
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TITLE: The Train Trip | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dave Walker
01/19/22 -
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With a knock, a plump little lady, hunched at the shoulders, grey hair pulled in a bun and rimless glasses perched on her nose peered in. “Can I join you?”
The young man glanced up. “You’re welcome.”
As she sat, she said, “Never been on a train before, Can you believe that? Seventy-four and never been on a train."
Sebastian wanted to be alone with his thoughts. It was tough leaving Belinda, but what could he do, after what she’d done?
As the train started, a middle-aged man with a round, red face, kind blue eyes, and a rim of hair around a bald pate rushed in and sat beside the young man, sweating profusely. He wiped his forehead with a handkerchief apologising, “So sorry to barge in. Phew. Just made it.”
The train gathered speed and clattered through the countryside. Sebastian hoped the old lady wouldn’t talk. He was in no mood for chatter. But she did. Looking around cheerfully, she said, “Well, let’s find out who we’re sharing a carriage with. Who’ll start?”
The young man half-smiled. “Okay. I’m Henry. Going home from a trip in a spiritual wilderness. My dad left us when I was fifteen and I rebelled. I hated him for it. Unreasonably, I also blamed Mom. Gave her a hard time. Left home and lived anywhere. Into drugs, women, and stuff. But realised I was self-destructing. It’s scary, but I’m going home. I’ve forgiven Dad and I’m going home to ask forgiveness from Mom. It’s the only way to become whole.”
His deep sharing changed the atmosphere. The florid man opened up. “I’m Harold. Funny you talking about forgiveness. I’m not there yet. I’m going on a self-imposed retreat. My business partner betrayed me. Stole the business. I’m so angry, but I know if I let it get to me, I’m the one to be most hurt. My pastor said to forgive. I’m getting away to try to do that. It seems impossible, but I realise it must be done.”
They looked at Sebastian. He said nothing. The old lady said, “Well, my turn. I suppose we all have issues we know we should confront but find it hard. Her eyes glistened as she continued. “My issue is with …” she clenched her fist and breathed deeply. “It’s forgiving God. Why did He take my child and granddaughter before me? I suppose one day I’ll know. I realise I must trust without understanding, but it’s difficult. Forgiveness is difficult. I’m going to an Emmaus Walk in Woodbridge, to get closer to God.”
She turned to Sebastian. “Come on, what’s your story?”
Sebastian lowered his eyes. “I’m Sebastian,” he mumbled. “I’m leaving my wife. She committed adultery. I can’t forgive her.”
There was silence. Henry and Millie gazed out of the window. Harold examined his shoes minutely. Then he asked, “Has she asked for forgiveness?”
Sebastian nodded, then muttered, “How could she fall into another man’s arms?”
“So, you still love her?”
His face darkened. “I can’t forgive her.”
Yet, the conversations swam in his head. They all recognised unforgiveness was harming them --- that they needed to deal with it. Like a turbulent ocean, his resolve crashed against the unyielding cliffs of anger, disappointment, and pain. Slowly, it started abating. “What if I try to forgive? Just talk to her.” He thought of Damian. He was fifteen, Henry’s age when his parents divorced. “What will a divorce do to Damian?”.
Fifty miles from Boston, he phoned Belinda. “Look, Honey. Do you think we could talk this over? See if maybe I’m partly to blame. Maybe think about forgiving one another?”
At Boston station, he disembarked --- and came face to face with Belinda. He stopped in his tracks, eyes wide. “How did you get here?”
Belinda smiled. “Prayed you’d change your mind, and took a bus.”
He smiled and squeezed her arm. "Wait here. Guard my luggage. I must find a better hotel." He walked briskly away.
Belinda turned to his carriage companions hovering in the background.
She smiled broadly. “Thanks, guys. It worked. You must’ve been magnificent. He listened to your stories and took in every word. I think you’ve saved our marriage.”
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The characters were real, facing real life, with real problems. You weaved the characters into the story flawlessly. Different backgrounds yet showing we all face similar situations or know someone who has.
Thank you for your work.