Night Express Departure

I climbed aboard the wooden pull-cart, settling firmly onto the folded handkerchief cushion beside the crayon-scribbled ticket. With a gentle push using both back feet against the floorboards, I got our little wagon rolling into the dim hallway. The smooth parquet floor gave us a steady, quiet glide in the evening hush. I leaned over the side and caught a rolling brass bell by its cord, resting it right beside me as a headlight. Our very first nighttime expedition officially set off down the long, quiet passage.