last train to eternity (5)

She glanced at the tracks, wondering if the train would really come. Midnight was approaching, and the air grew colder, the silence more oppressive.

The old man suddenly stood up, pointing down the tracks. "It's coming," he whispered, his eyes wide with wonder. Violet squinted, trying to see through the darkness. At first, she saw nothing, but then a faint light appeared in the distance.

It grew brighter, accompanied by the sound of a train whistle. The group around her gasped, some crying tears of relief, others of fear. The train pulled into the station, its old-fashioned design stark against the ruins of the city.