The Night Train to the Hills

The night is cool. We are on a long blue train. It is going to the hills.

Our berth is soft and snug. There is a thin blanket and a small white pillow. A tiny blue night lamp glows above us. We pull the window curtain open, just a little.

Outside, the city lights slip away. One... two... three... and then they are gone. Now there are only dark fields and a big, bright moon.

Chhuk-chhuk... chhuk-chhuk... the train rocks us gently.

At first, our mind is still busy. It thinks about the day. It thinks about tomorrow. That is okay. We just listen to the train. Its sound is slow and steady, like a heartbeat.

Soon the train slows down. A small station comes. There is one yellow lamp. A sleepy guard waves a green light. A dog is curled up on a bench, fast asleep. The train waits a moment... then moves on.

We pass a wide river. The moon shines on the water like a silver ribbon. We pass a sleepy village. Only one window is still lit.

Chhuk-chhuk... chhuk-chhuk... the train rocks us gently.

Now the train begins to climb, slowly, slowly. The air turns cooler. We pull the blanket up to our chin. It feels soft and warm.

Then comes a tunnel. Everything goes dark for a moment. The train's sound grows round and deep. Whooo... We stay calm. We know the light is coming. And yes... out we come, into the soft moonlight again.

Tall pine trees stand along the tracks. They sway in the night breeze. The hills are dark and quiet. Tiny lights twinkle on them, like stars resting on the hills.

Another station. This one is very small. A tea seller sleeps beside his stall. A bell rings once, softly. Ting... Then the train moves on.

We feel heavy and soft now. Our breath is slow. In... and out. The train rocks to the left... and to the right. Left... and right. Just like a cradle.

In the morning, we will wake up in the green hills. There will be cool air and a fresh blue sky. But now... we only rest.

Chhuk-chhuk... chhuk-chhuk... the train rocks us gently. And we sleep.