[Write the Story] Conversation on a Train

Prompt: Conversation on a Train

Words: unicorn, enslave, steak, maw, plunge, wrothy, recoil, absolve, suspenders, worldwide

Story

Geraldine plunged through teaming throngs heading up the ramp. The boarding portal a gaping maw swallowing families whole. She fought the urge to reoil when another potential passenger brushed against her.

“Car six, compartment seven. Enjoy your journey and welcome aboard Transplanetary Railway.”

Geraldine smiled tightly at the ticket bot and boarded the train to another world. Something she never thought possible, something she’d never be worthy of. But here she was.

Geraldine, after she settled in, went to dinner.

“Have the steak.” Her dining companion tucked a linen napkin in purple unicorn suspenders. “It’s real meat.”

“But how?” she asked. “Cattle are no longer enslaved to the dietary dictates of consumption.”

The being, a lean being whose bulbous head and sucker tipped appendages waved uncertainly. “Perhaps that is simply your worldwide criteria. Or perhaps your species has been absolved of your guilt.”

“What do you know of guilt?”

The being stretched tentacles wide. “All sentients have guilt. Yours is newer and shiny. Rich like steak. You have much to learn.”

“That’s why I’m here. And why I…just why.”

“And that is why you are at my table, young explorer. Your curiosity is a bright light among these who’ve gone on before. They don’t see the wonder you do. Let us explore together. At least a while.”

“But I don’t know you or vice versa.”

“Let us learn together.”

Word Count: 229

Written: 8/27/2019

Tags: aliens, exploration, Piccadilly, space, train, Write the Story