When he booked the ticket two weeks ago, he didn’t hesitate. It was more than he usually spent on train travel—but this wasn’t about money. It was about silence. He chose the quiet car specifically, a reserved seat with a wide window and extra legroom. A little bubble of calm carved out just for him.
No phone calls. No crying babies. No loud music. Just the hum of the tracks, the blur of trees, and maybe—if the train gods were kind—a decent cup of coffee from the café car. He needed it more than he wanted to admit.