Ethan stood rooted to the spot, the heat and sound folding around him like a storm. Through the shimmer, the train’s headlights cut through the haze. Two blinding orbs growing larger with terrifying speed. The platform shook. The puppy didn’t move. Ethan swallowed hard, every muscle in his body coiled.
He didn’t dare breathe as the massive silver body hurtled closer, the brakes screaming in protest. “Come on,” he whispered. “Stop. Please, just stop.” Ethan gripped the railing, heart hammering against his ribs. Down the track, the puppy hadn’t moved. It lay limp between the rails, one small paw twitching now and then, ears flattened tight against its head.