Grandpa’s Train Illustrated & Written by Chia-Ying, Lin
Grandpa used to love gardening very much. I especially liked to stay by his side, whilst he watered the flowers and plowed the land. He would introduce every tree and flower to me, teaching me how to take care of the members in the garden, one by one, thoroughly.
Mum and Dad said grandpa was a respectable and responsible conductor of trains when he was young. Everyone liked him. For me, he’s just my Grandpa. My dear lovely Grandpa.
Each time when we said goodbye, Grandpa always stuffed a piece of fudge secretly in my hand, and waved his hands toward our car until we disappeared into the distance.
One day Grandpa collapsed.
Grandpa could not recognise us anymore.
His eyes are filled with ignorance and defense. He wouldn’t reply no matter what we say.
Sometimes he’s in good condition. He would talk to the people surrounding him in Japanese, which I totally don’t understand. “切符を拝見致します！” This is the most frequent sentence he said. Mom says it means ‘checking tickets’. Grandpa is back in the olden days when he worked on the train.
Gradually, grandpa’s sleeping time becomes longer and longer. I don’t know what to do. I want to chat with grandpa again very much.
I get on a train. Suddenly, I notice that grandpa is by my side, wearing his conductor’s uniform. He looks as healthy as before. “Grandpa!” Looking at him, I’m really surprised. “Ginny,” grandpa smiles at me, says, “Welcome to The Life Rail!” “The Life Rail?” I ask. “Yes,” He says, “this is a non-stop train.”
“Grandpa, why did you want to be a conductor? Do you like trains?” I ask. “Oh yes, of course I do my dear Ginny.” He smiled. “On the train, you can meet people from all walks of life.”
The train enters a station. People get off and get on the train as the door opens. A breeze gently blows in. There is an endless green forest outside.
“Where’s Old John going?” “His journey on this train is finished. Now he’s going to a far far away place to begin his own travels.”
“Life is like a non-stop slow rail. On this train, we meet various kinds of travelers. We chat together, accompany each other, and share happiness together.”
“But finally, we have to get off the train at different times because we have different destinations. Though it is sometimes sad, but we can only say goodbye and bless others’ journeys.”
“Do travelers really need to say goodbye?” “Oh yes, yes my little girl. Everyone’s life has time limit. We cannot stay on the train forever. It’s time to get off the train when you reach your destination.”
“I think it’s my time to leave now.” “Can I go with you, grandpa? ”
“Good girl,” He smiles and says. “Your journey is just begun and still long. Some day we will meet again in this garden.”
“Where will this train lead to?” “Life gives you the answer.” Grandpa’s voice echoes in the wind, and he gradually disappears in the green trees as the train accelerates.