He came out of nowhere…
It was as though he materialised in some way, on the empty platform, slapping his gloved hands together against the cold. He smiled at the startled traveller, who had been standing there at the deserted station for some time, waiting for the late train. It was around midnight and the man was feeling exposed to the icy wind that swept along the line. He had just finished wrapping his scarf around his neck even tighter to ward off the chill when the stranger appeared, magically.
“Bitter.”
“Eh?” The traveller jumped visibly.
“The cold… bitter.”
The traveller looked around the station, desperately trying to figure out where the man had come from. “Yes,” he replied.
“Late,” said the stranger.
“Yes, it is.”
The stranger moved closer, giving an embarrassed laugh. “I’ve come here to give you a warning. Look, I know this is all a bit unusual, but you need to know that you’re in danger, mortal danger.”
The man was still reeling from the suddenness of the stranger‘s appearance. He said, “You’re not making any sense… who are you?”
“Not important.”
“No?”
“No. What’s important is that I tell you something. Something you need to know.”
The man went to speak, the other cut him off.
“Your time is being extended. A recent kindness on your part has been observed. Ah! Such benevolence. Because of this, you should let the train go and catch the one that is scheduled to arrive an hour later.”
“What kindness are you talking about?”
“Again, not important.” He raised the palm of his hand and said, “No! The only thing you have to know is what I’ve said. Let the train go; catch the next.”
The traveller stood shaking his head, frowning.
“Of course, you need some kind of proof; something that will convince you to heed the warning.” He paused, then said, “A girl with a red beret will get off the train and give you a smile. This will convince you.” The tracks began to rumble. He waved his hand. “Here it comes”.
The traveller looked up the line and saw the approaching lights. In that moment, looking back, the stranger simply wasn’t there anymore. The traveller looked around and whispered, “Gone!” under his breath. Visibly shaken by the whole incident, he was hardly aware of the carriages screeching to a halt in front of him. Moments later, the girl with the red beret smiled as she passed down the platform with others, heading for the exit gate.
He caught the next train.