The Curious Incident at the Model of Wakefield City Outside Westgate Train Station (in the Day-Time)
Nigel Martin
‘It will be fun,’ they said. ‘You’re not getting any younger,’ they insisted. ‘Everyone does it these days.’ Sarah was sure her friends were full of the best intentions but, even though she’d been single the eight years since William died, she still didn’t think internet dating was right for someone in the autumn of their life. As the train neared Outwood she began to feel sick, not long now to Wakefield’s grand new station where she’d arranged to meet Ian, the man she’d been messaging these past few weeks. The lack of a photograph had been a worry but she was hardly in a position to complain given that she had neglected to put one on her own profile, deeming all the images she had of herself far too unflattering. Instead, being of a similar age and sharing a love of walks in the Dales would hopefully mean they’d have enough in common. Surely at her age it was no longer about looks anyway, more about seeking some company to break up the monotony of her dreary, daily routine. Wakefield Prison loomed into sight bringing the moment of reckoning nearer. I could just stay on until Doncaster thought Sarah. Go and see my sister instead. It would be a pleasant surprise for her. No. She’d come this far, she might as well go through with it, particularly as the thought of leaving Ian in the lurch made her feel guilty. As Wakefield was announced Sarah tried to recall the few snippets of information he'd given her in order to recognise him. ‘I’ll meet you at the model of Wakefield city at the front of the station. I’ll be carrying a blue bag. Can’t wait to meet you,’ was the last email she’d received that morning. Hang on, or was it a green bag? As the train came to a stop Sarah tried to recall what colour the bag actually was. Oh well, surely it wouldn’t matter. She’d be able to spot him regardless.