The Last Train to Freedom

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the bustling train station. Eliza clutched her small, worn-out backpack as she approached the ticket counter. The station was a maze of tracks and platforms, and the noise of trains, people, and the clatter of metal filled the air. She had a sense of urgency, her heart pounding in her chest.

Eliza had received an urgent letter from her friend, Sarah, days before. It read, "Eliza, you must come. The Child-Eating Express is coming for us. Stay safe." The letter had been torn and bloodstained, but the message was clear. The "Child-Eating Express" was real, and it was coming for them.

The conductor approached her, his eyes sharp and calculating. "Where you heading, miss?"

Eliza's voice trembled as she replied, "To the next town, please."

The conductor nodded and handed her a ticket. "You'll have to wait for the next train. It's an express, but it's running late."

Eliza nodded, her mind racing. The Child-Eating Express was known for its peculiar schedule, and it was rumored to pick up children from all over the world. She had no idea why her friends were targeted, but she knew she had to do something.

She found a seat in the waiting area, her eyes scanning the crowd. The station was filled with weary travelers, some looking at maps, others chatting animatedly. Eliza's mind was preoccupied; she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the platform. A group of children were being ushered onto a train, their faces filled with fear. Eliza's heart raced. The Child-Eating Express had arrived.

She followed the children onto the train, her heart pounding in her chest. The interior was dark and eerie, the walls adorned with faded, ominous posters. The conductor approached her, his eyes narrowing.

"Where you going, miss?" he asked.

Eliza stammered, "I... I'm going to the next town."

The conductor grunted and walked away, leaving Eliza alone with her thoughts. She scanned the train, searching for her friends. Suddenly, a figure appeared in the shadows, a man with a twisted smile.

"Welcome to the Child-Eating Express, miss," he said. "We've been expecting you."

Eliza's eyes widened in horror. She had no choice but to trust her instincts. She whispered to her friends, "Stay close. We need to find a way out."

The train began to move, and Eliza's heart raced. She had to think fast. She spotted a hidden compartment in the ceiling, a possible escape route. She led her friends to the compartment, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We need to climb up there," she said. "It's dangerous, but we have no other choice."

The children climbed the ladder, their hands slipping and their legs trembling. Eliza reached the top first, her heart pounding in her chest. She peeked out and saw the train's crew searching for them. She had to act quickly.

"Quickly, everyone!" she shouted. "We have to jump now!"

The children followed her lead, one by one, leaping from the train. Eliza landed on the platform below, her leg twisted and her breath ragged. She turned back to see her friends landing safely, their faces filled with relief.

The crew of the Child-Eating Express had not noticed the escape. Eliza led her friends to the nearest exit, her heart pounding in her chest. They burst into the night, running as fast as they could.

The Child-Eating Express was a relentless force, but Eliza and her friends were determined to survive. They had escaped the clutches of the sinister train, and they knew that they had to keep running.

As they ran, Eliza couldn't help but think about the children who had not been so lucky. She vowed to fight for them, to bring the Child-Eating Express to justice. And as they continued to run, Eliza knew that their journey was far from over.

But for now, they were free. And that was all that mattered.