Ghost train

The tracks ran just outside of town. They were old and no longer in use, but at one point they had the most important job.

Stories were told to the children in town about engine 42 coming into town at noon every day. Bringing many items for the town that was needed.

First there were letters to be delivered, all different shapes, sizes and colors. Then there were boxes with items for the store to sell; fabrics, buttons, toys, tools, food and much more.

Sometimes people were on the train jumping from town to town looking for a new place to stay or starting a new adventure. Everyone in town was always excited to see what the train would bring until one stormy day, then it all changed.

The day was very gray with the rain pouring non-stop. Children looked out windows wishing for the sun so they could play. No one wanted to be outside on stormy days.

It was getting close to time to start hearing the clickity clack of the train coming in. It felt like the town waited with excitement to hear the sound they knew so well.

The clock could be heard ticking as the time came closer to noon only there was silence. The children looked at the clock it was spot on but no train. Parents exchanged looks of concern. The train was never late.

Everyone listened with baited breath hoping to hear the train, but no sound came. "What happened?" many questions. "Where is the train?" asked the children, but no one had an answer.

The sheriff walked to the depot to see if they knew anything only to find confused looks. No word was sent ahead. Just as people started to despair they heard a loud noise of clickity clack only as it was going too fast.

People started to run toward the track to see what was going on and the sight they saw. For you see that old train engine 42 had smoke billowing out in thick black clouds. The train was working overtime and would not stop in time.

Children gasped and shouted in the rain that it looked like an angry monster. Parents feared that the train might crash. The sheriff quickly told people to get back because no one knew what would happen. Just then a loud squall was heard from the brakes, but the train kept moving forward.

Instead of slowing down to a stop the train kept moving forward going faster. The conductor was panicking because he knew if they didn't slow down they would crash at the corner ahead. He barked out order after order, but nothing helped.

His men feared what was to come and sure enough the train got to the corner ahead. A loud crash was heard throughout the whole town. The train came off the tracks and fell into the river.

Bellows for steam and smoke were seen with loud hissing sounds. People of the town were shouting and running to offer help only to stop at what they saw. Boxes thrown everywhere spilling their contents. Letters getting soaked by the rain and some people standing around others laying on the ground hurt.

That was the day that the train ran its last trip. The last day to hear clickity clack. The last day the train came with boxes and letters.

Now all there was is a set of old rusty tracks that once brought excitement to the town. Sometimes at noon if you listen real close you could still hear the clickity clack and smell the smoke from engine 42 as it came into town.