NO ESCAPE

“I’m on the next coach, my love. Don’t fret, I'll come to pick you up when we reach our station.” 

“Promise you won’t leave me, Papa.” 

“I promise.” He squeezed her hand and kissed her forehead.  

Sixteen-year-old Lydia gazed apprehensively at her father as he helped her board the last train leaving their war-struck country. Only the rich had afforded to flee the country. Her father had to bribe, threaten and beg for tickets so that they could move to a safe haven, away from the incessant gunfire and bombings.  

A kind gentleman on the coach helped Lydia locate her seat. She looked out of the window and heaved a sigh of relief as she saw her father walk towards the adjoining coach. Leaning back against the dust-ridden headrest, she took in her surroundings.  The aforementioned gentleman sat reading a newspaper, a woman covered in a tattered veil attempted to hush a hungry child. They looked as if they hadn’t seen a solid meal for days. Suddenly, a commotion arose as a policeman and the stationmaster entered the coach, heading for the family at the back. 

“One ticket, sir! You have one ticket! I see seven people. Please leave or I will be forced to make you leave,” said the policeman roughly.  

Lydia watched in horrific silence as all seven of them trundled off, preferring to stay together instead of leaving someone behind. She thanked God that she wasn’t in their shoes. Even the thought of leaving her father behind sent shivers down her spine. 

Hours passed by in agonizing monotony as Lydia slipped in and out of slumber. After what seemed like an eternity, the train slowed into a station and let out a flurry of steam. The coach emptied as she waited patiently for her father to collect her. Around her, people grabbed their belongings and rushed out onto the platform, the hope of a new future shining in their tired eyes. 

“Child, will you not leave?” asked the kind gentleman.  

“I’m waiting for Papa. He’s in the next coach,” she answered.  

He frowned and looked out. A pitying look crept into his eyes as he gazed back at her.  

“There is no next coach, my child. This is the last one.”