A long, empty platform. At a distance, a single tube light flickered constantly. If one looked at it longer than needed, it could cause pain and irritation. So let one, not look at it for long. Let's move on.

The several decade old, oval shaped ornamental clock announced its time as eight. Suddenly the speakers gave out a fluctuated announcement.

"Train-from-to-been-cancel-sor-inconvenience."

The sudden announcement caused a very sleepy gentleman to rise from his slumber. To say 'to rise' would be an understatement. He woke up in shock as if someone hit him on the head. Grabbing his trolley and backpack, he ran all the way to the information desk.

"Excuse me. Hi," he said as he approached. Adjusting his glasses and resting his trolley by his side, he waited for some reaction. The girl at the desk however looked at him with utter disgust. Or was her face always like that? He couldn't tell.

He shook his head and resumed, "Did you just announce the cancellation of some train? I'm sorry the announcement wasn't very clear."

He smiled as he spoke, to make himself seem friendly. But his smile fell, upon receiving two eyes that stared and a mouth that chewed gum.

He added, "Not that your announcement wasn't clear. It was very clear of course. But the speakers! The speakers were...not that clear."

She continued chewing her gum. He blinked waiting for a response. She chewed some more while he sighed. Clearing his throat, he said, "Could you tell me which train is it that got cancelled please?"

Leaning forward to see her screen, he pointed at it and said, "It should be right... about ...here-"

"There were only two trains coming tonight. The one scheduled at 9.00pm got cancelled. The one at 2.00am is still on time. The next train to the South is at 7.00am. That's seven in the morning. You can sit and wait for it in the platform or take a room somewhere in town. That's your choice. Restaurants are open until 9.30pm. It's a small town and there aren't much people here. So be careful while going outside. The nearest police station is quite far so I'll advice you to not fall in trouble or go very far. Anything else?"

Mouth agape, he stared at her for a few minutes. A few blinks later he shook his head and said,

"Um...what?"

She stared at him with disinterest and continued chewing her colourless gum. After a minute of silence, he said, "I mean... thanks! I'll keep that in mind?"

He walked away trying to process all the information dumped upon him.