k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching……..
he heard that for miles, shadows flirting with his eye lids, trying to keep him awake, k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching……..
He felt he was on this train for days, years even. It was soothing, to a point. Constantly rocking, back and forth, how could he not fall asleep? But he couldn’t. Not now.
k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching……..
One would think it would be soothing. Countless miles, no stops, no bumps, no cigar smoke blown into his face like he endured as a child. Then the memories would jolt him back awake. He’d look around as if he was transported back there. Back to the dirt, the grime, the soot, the ugliness. He needed to get away. He needed to do this years ago. But now, the feeling kept gnawing at the back of his neck, scraping, clawing. He reached back and rubbed his neck as if his thoughts were making his skin bleed. He heard it too loudly this time. If anyone were actually by him he would have made them jump too. Too loudly this time, louder than the wheels grating the rail, though a whisper all the same…..It’s too late Jake. You’re too late….
k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching k-ching……..
