Joe Luscombe

Listen to Joe’s story read by Andrew Howorth

Eddie is eight and ajar.  He holds his Bluey backpack tight. It’s closed a bit, but open a bit on the escalator, coming down for the Edinburgh – London train. His mousing hair is neater than normal.

He faces me across the big wheelie suitcase. I’m backwards, looking up at him.

‘Mum says that in Europe the trains stay shut after you have got on board, so you have to get a guard to let you off if you change your mind.’ Coach E, Coach F.  ‘Now, say hi to Mum. And try to be nice to Harry. And remember to drink water. And brush your teeth and… OK. I love you.’ The gunmetal big bag catches, chunk, on the rubber lip of Coach H. Just pausing on its way, not stuck at all. Ungainly pushing it up and onto the train. 

Harry says  ‘Here you go, mate,’ like he is resolving a problem. Pulling it on from above looks smoother, cooler.  It takes everything to let that go. The doors beep twice and close.

I catch Eddie’s eye, hoping he will change his mind on this English train and kick Harry in the shins on his way back onto the platform. They can keep the bag.

Joe Luscombe lives in the north of England. He writes drama, fiction and non-fiction. He has appeared in Dark Mountain and is featured in the forthcoming Ey Up anthology – Ey Up 4, will be published in November. Find Joe on Substack @joeluscombe