I fell into the uncomfortable patterned train seat, dropping my heavy briefcase beside me like a crushing burden finally lifted. Today had been tough, an ever-mental strain with never-ending calls, negotiations, and meeting after meeting. It felt like the day would never end, so when that final meeting came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sigh of relief until I remembered that I had to see Mum. I had put it off for too long. 

The fog pressed thick against the windows, just as it had before, not that I’d want to see the countryside of Yorkshire. After thirty years of living here, I knew every field looked the same, with the odd flock of sheep if you were lucky. When the train began to move, I felt my body relax back into the chair. It’s gentle vibration singing sweet lullabies to my heavy eyes. I just need to stay awake a little longer.

I jolted awake in a panicked sweat, clutching my briefcase like a lifeline. The train had stopped, but I didn’t hear the usual announcement. In fact, the entire train cart had seemed eerily silent; there was always someone talking too loudly on the phone or fiddling with packets of food, but today there was nothing. Each passenger around me just seemed to be staring blankly into the mist, unmoving...

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