write a scene
**Title: The Last Train Home**
**Setting:** A dimly lit train station late at night. Soft rain patters against the windows, creating a soothing rhythm in the background. The faint glow of flickering fluorescent lights casts long shadows across the platform, where a few weary travelers wait for the last train of the evening.
**Scene:**
**INT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT**
The clock on the wall reads 11:47 PM. The air is thick with the scent of old coffee and the faint hint of dampness. EMMA, a twenty-something woman clutching a worn leather satchel, stands at the edge of the platform, her breath visible in the cool air. She glances frequently at the clock, her anxiety palpable.
A PA INTERCOM announces the delayed train.
**PA VOICE**
( crackling)
The 11:55 train to Willow Creek is currently delayed. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Emma sighs, the weight of the day finally hitting her. She runs a hand through her disheveled hair, revealing smudged eyeliner under her eyes, evidence of a long day that began far too early.
Suddenly, a shadow approaches. It’s JAMES, a man in his late twenties with tousled hair, wearing a faded baseball cap and a thick flannel shirt. He notices Emma’s discomfort and offers a shy smile.
**JAMES**
(softly)
Rough night?
**EMMA**
(slightly startled)
Oh, um, yeah. Just trying to get home. How about you?
James shifts his weight, looking down the platform.
**JAMES**
Same here. Thought I’d miss the last train for sure.
He glances at her satchel.
**JAMES**
Nice bag. Looks like it’s seen some adventures.
Emma’s lips curve into a small smile, her guard beginning to lower.
**EMMA**
Yeah, it’s been through a lot. I’ve had it since college. It carries memories more than anything else.
The rain picks up, drumming against the roof as the sound echoes through the station. The lights flicker again, making the atmosphere feel more intimate.
**JAMES**
(leaning against the wall)
Memories, huh? Got any good ones to share?
Emma pauses, the question hanging in the air. She looks thoughtful for a moment, then laughs lightly.
**EMMA**
Well, there was this time my friends and I decided to take a road trip without a map. We ended up lost in a small town, but we found this diner with the best milkshakes…
As she shares the story, her voice grows animated. James listens intently, leaning closer.
**JAMES**
(mischievously)
And did you ever find your way back?
**EMMA**
(eyes twinkling)
Eventually! We may or may not have ended up on the news as "the lost college kids."
They both laugh, the tension easing. Just then, the sound of a train horn breaks the moment.
**PA VOICE**
(cheerfully)
The 11:55 train to Willow Creek has arrived!
Lights from the train illuminate the platform, casting a warm glow that washes over Emma and James.
**EMMA**
Well, that’s my ride.
She hesitates, looking at James.
**EMMA**
It was nice meeting you, even if just for a moment.
James nods, clearly not ready to end their conversation.
**JAMES**
You too. Maybe we’ll get lost again sometime.
Emma laughs, her heart a bit lighter. As she steps back toward the train, she turns around and gives him a genuine smile.
**EMMA**
Maybe.
She boards the train, looking back at him through the window as the doors close. James stands there, the flickering station lights reflecting in his hopeful eyes.
The train rumbles to life and pulls away, blending into the rhythm of the rain.
**FADE OUT.**