The dank midnight sky hung in the air around me. I pulled the collar of my coat up closer to my chin. The inner lining of wool make my skin itch, but I couldn’t pass up the warmth I felt. I hoped it would block out the breeze, but the chill had already sunk into my bones. In the dim light of one lamp about fifty feet behind me, I could see the fog rolling in across the wooden walkway from the tracks. To my left, the train station stood. At the first glance, the lights glowed revealing people inside waiting to board the next train. They stood with the suitcases staring at each other as the seconds ticked away. When I blinked, the station stood as dark and quiet as it has for many years.

            I glanced towards where the tracks should be, although I couldn’t see them through the fog. Once again, I could see the long black train pulling up to the station. The sounds of the tires again the rail and the steams gasp as it is let out filled the night for a moment. Yet this was all a part of my imagination just as those standing in the station. Only my imagination producing what used to happen. There was no train pulling into the station, only empty tracks with a forest lurking on the other side. Black trees grew out of the white fog looking as if they would come to life at any moment and walk over to meet me, but there was no help for me now.

            I chose my fate hours ago and came to stand on the empty platform to wait for it. I couldn’t bear to see my friends and family fall under the spell this creature had put over me. Full lives awaited them and I needed to keep them safe. Without safety, they would never see what waited for them. Protection for my friends and family is only the outside covering of what lay on the wooden boards below me. On the inside, love taunted me at every corner.  Part of me is disgusted with the fact that I could love what wait for me here. Inside me it screamed at me. How could you every love a creature who isn’t even human? How could you love a creature who only wants to kill you?