The train lazily pulls into the station, the brakeman waving at the small crowd gathered below. Thick smoke pours out the top and into a cloudless sky, the air heavy with the smell of burning coal. You don’t even need to look to town square to know what time it is. You already know it’s 11:39. At 11:43, Freddy will step off the train. He’ll look around like a lost puppy until he sees you and when he does, he’ll break into a run, uncharacteristically dropping his leather suitcase straight onto the dirt. When he reaches you, he’ll sweep you into his arms and swing you about in a circle while staring deeply into your eyes. Then, he’ll put you down and ask for your hand in marriage. It will be magical.
At least, it was the first time.
The second time, it was confusing.
By the tenth time, it lost its charm.
But now, when the same scene has played out hundreds of times, the whole thing just makes you sick.
A moment ago, you were standing on the gallows in the center of town, a thick noose wrapped around your throat, smiling at the crowd as they jeered at you. It didn’t matter then, and it certainly doesn’t matter now. Everyone has forgotten what you did. Everything has reset, just like it always does. Once again, you find yourself at this damn train station on March 15th. Glancing to your left, you look over at Daisy Mae. She’s watching the train with focused eyes, her fists clenching and unclenching. The folds of her Sunday dress shift here and there as she rocks back and forth on her heels.
“He’s not coming,” you blurt out. You’ve all but lost the ability to hold your tongue over the years. What’s the point? Soon enough, nobody will remember what you’ve said anyway.
She looks over at you, wide eyed. “Wh-what are you talking about? Fred isn’t coming?”
You sigh in exasperation. As if it’s Freddy she’s so concerned about.
*CCCCHHHHHHHH*
The train hisses as it comes to a complete stop. You only have a minute and a half before Freddy steps off the train.