Victoria Qiu (9) | STAFF REPORTER
Have I ever told you about the train that takes you directly to your soulmate?
In the early hours of the day, between 2:24 and 2:47 am, a train will arrive. Do not be fooled by all the other trains that travel at this hour, for this train only appears on cloudy, moonless nights. Present your ticket to the person at the door, but do not maintain eye contact. If you do happen to catch a glimpse of his eyes, instantly apologize and hurry on your way. If you are lucky, you will be spared.
Once on the train, you will notice compartments of great luxury in various colours and themes. You must only sit in the compartment that your ticket displays or you may stumble upon compartments whose inhabitants may not be as friendly. Upon finding your seat, make sure that the window is closed tightly and the blind is all the way down. If any of the aforementioned are not present, close them instantly. If they will not close, ask for a conductor and switch spots immediately.
The train ride will be very, very long. You will feel changes in terrain, or maybe smell fresh scents from different parts of the journey. As tempting as it might be, do not look out the window. If you do, you will be obligated to stay in that world forever. Occasionally, you will also hear voices whispering outside. You may hear your name or several pieces of recognizable information being spoken. Do not worry, as long as you do not open the window or the blinds, the spirits can not get to you.
The conductors will appear in the hallway from time to time to check on the passengers. Please note that the conductors are rather lonely, forever destined to help others find their soulmate while they can not. It would cheer their spirits if you initiate small talk with them, although be careful not to bring up the topic of love or soulmates. Every compartment is seated for two, and you may also talk with the person or entity who sits across from you. Be wary though, as some passengers may be hostile. If you sense anything off about them, request a seat change instantly.
If you suddenly feel as though the tracks have vanished beneath the train, do not panic. This train must have simply started moving somewhere else, as it moves through different planets and universes in order to accommodate all of its passengers. This also makes sure that you are matched with a soulmate perfect for you, as the train searches the entire universe for them.
At one point in the journey, the train will run over a coastline. You will hear the crashing of the waves, as well as beautiful and hypnotic sounds from the many creatures residing in the bay. However tempting opening the window is, do not. The coast is not one that any mortal has ever heard of, nor are the sounds coming from creatures you know and love. The train is built so the music heard is only a faint song. Any more and you will be obligated to stay.
As you near your stop, a conductor will hand you your ticket. Be sure to memorize the exact stop and not exit too late or too early. If you do, you will be obligated to stay wherever you stopped. The lady on the speakers will begin calling out stops, and it is up to you to respond appropriately. Make your way towards the front of the train and say goodbye to the conductors, and watch your step as you step off the train. Once off the train, do not look back unless you wish to become trapped, as the conductors have become. Remember that the ticket is one-way and non-refundable, so looking back will cause nothing but harm and regret.
Finally, remember that your soulmate can be anyone or anything, even if you don’t expect it. When you step off the train, there is no guarantee about where you may be. You can be right outside your neighbour’s house, or many light-years away in an alternate universe. The soulmate train is not responsible for how you decide to act or what you decide to do once you arrive at your destination.
Happy travels!~
