The train compartment rocks through Tuscan night. Florence fades. I’m 18, blond, sweaty in beige shorts. Claudia sits beside me. Mid-30s, ripe curves, green eyes like the fountain where I first saw her. Married, but…
Rushing through Metz station’s cold Prussian halls, kids in tow. Camille, 6, Léo, 4. Train late. Shove valises into crammed compartment. Three soldiers already there. Henri, tall leader. Rachid, Marseillais grin. Kévin, young hunk. They…
The night train rattles through darkness. Empty compartment. Josette presses against the cool window glass. Her heart thuds wildly. Images from the story burn in her mind—Héloïse, taken from behind by a stranger. Her cheeks…
The train hurtles through the winter plain. Soft wall lights bathe the burgundy velvet seats and polished wood in intimate glow. Thick carpet muffles steps. Air heavy with wax and old wood scent. Wide windows…