* * *
He stood on the station platform, waiting patiently. For the first time in weeks he felt calm. He checked his watch. The train would be arriving soon. There were a few other people there, including a pale-faced woman with short, blonde hair, wearing a long red scarf. She was looking strangely at him.
George moved further up the platform in the direction the train was coming. He could see its outline in the distance, snaking along. He got to the point just beyond the raised platform where he and his mates used to play their game. They could run out on to the track without having to jump down, and used to be over the other side and away before anyone could stop them.
That’s what he was going to do. He was going to run over the track right in front of the train, but much closer than he had ever done as a kid. He was going to confront his demons head-on. Jennie was right. He would never amount to anything until he faced down his fears. He was going to cheat death. He was cocking a snoop at that black-hooded devil. It was near him; he could sense it but he didn’t care. This way he would win Jennie back. He would get a life, a proper job and the girl he loved.
The train was getting closer. He was amazed at his calmness. Everything was going to be fine. He glanced over to the platform. The blonde-haired woman was still staring at him.
He could hear the rattle of the train. He tensed his body. The shadowy figure was standing by his side. He could see it now, dressed in a black, flowing robe, and he wasn’t scared of it anymore.
The train was nearly there. He tensed his muscles. The black shape moved directly behind him. George drew in his breath sharply and, with a cry issuing from his parched lips, he bounded forward.
He felt exhilarated; it was just like old times. He would soon be over to the other side of the track. He heard the shrill scream of the train, smelt its fumes.
He couldn’t move. He was being held back. He struggled and struggled to get loose but couldn’t budge.
He turned round. He was met by the sight of a huge, black figure, its hooded face hidden in darkness and its body wrapped in a long, black, flowing robe. The fearsome being raised a hand, and a long, bony finger beckoned. It lifted its head. Its hood fell open a little to reveal a black, cavernous depth, which George was immediately sucked into, hurtling down into its vast emptiness.