Even without looking out of the window, Paul could feel the elevation rising as the train continued to ascend at a steady pace. Suddenly, darkness swallows and envelops the train, and all sounds are amplified as the train enters the tunnel. Paul closes his eyes, reminiscing about all the events that have led him to this place and moment in time. He recalls the moment he was served the divorce papers, which sours his mood significantly. But then he remembers the day where he steps out of the courthouse for the last time, and he recalls the feeling he had that day; the feeling of liberation, like someone that had just finished a long and grueling task, which exhausted him both physically and mentally. He then once again drifts into his thoughts as the train stays engulfed in darkness.

After spending some time in the tunnel, the train finally emerges out and back in to the light; the snow has stopped falling and the sun’s rays have started to peek out from behind the gray clouds. The snow covered mountain forest dominates the surrounding, reflecting the sunlight and creating a stark contrast with the dark gray skies. The train continues to run on the tracks which hug the mountain side with various outreaching trees creating a natural canopy that could withstand even the cold winter winds.

Paul can’t help but glance at the snow-covered landscape. The cold yet serene atmosphere exudes tranquility, but at the same time reminds Paul of the difficult several years he has just gone through. As Paul is lost in thought while gazing at the white world, he notices the outline of a western-style building coming on at his peripherals. As his attention shifts, he sees an amazing view: a small but densely constructed town on the hillside, with a large, dominating western-styled building whose façade he saw earlier built a bit outside of town.

Paul is lost in a sense of astonishment as the train keeps approaching the town, accelerating as it makes its way downwards towards the lower elevation. After a few more minutes, an announcement is heard from the speaker on the train.

“Last stop, Kakumachi, Kakumachi. Please watch your step as you disembark from the train, and ensure that you don’t leave anything behind. Kakumachi, Kakumachi.”

The train slows down as it approaches the station, and grinds to a complete stop as the train doors are aligned with the platform. A low hissing noise was heard as the doors opened, and cold air blasts inside the moment the doors open. Bracing himself against the blowing winter winds, Paul steps out of the train on to the platform, and is welcomed by the cold mountainside winter atmosphere. He involuntarily shudders as he experiences the steep drop in temperature between the train and the outside world. Searching for warmth, Paul quickly takes a step towards a small wooden room that he identified earlier, acting both as a waiting room and the ticket gate, dragging his luggage with him.

Once the automatic doors open and Paul steps in, familiar artificial warmth hits him throughout his body, calming the out-of-control shuddering body that was desperate for an increase in temperature. He soaks in the warmth inside the room while taking deep breaths, trying to further regulate his body. Once he’s finished, he opens his eyes again and tries to take a quick look around the room. but his sight immediately falls upon a man wearing a thick brown winter jacket, as well as a pair of black fur-lined boots. The scarf wrapped around the man’s neck exudes an aura of warmth and comfort. The man himself is soundly sleeping, while sitting in the upright position. Paul is immediately filled with nostalgia upon seeing the man’s face, even when his hair, which used to be completely black, is showing signs of graying.

As if on cue, the man wakes up and lifts his head, which was hanging down earlier when he sleeps. As soon as he makes eye contact with Paul, a warm and soft smile forms on his face, and his eyes sparkle. He stands up and makes a beeline towards Paul, extending his hands for a hug. Paul, happy at meeting the man, quickly reciprocates the gesture, extending his own hands for a hug. The two old friends who have been separated for years have now reunited inside a small town’s mountainside train station, sharing a warm and intimate hug.

“Paul, it’s so good to see you again!” The man bellows inside the empty room. “How are you doing?” He asks merrily.

"And it feels great to be able to meet you again, Andrew! It’s been so long. Too long, even.” Paul replies. “I’m mostly good, thank you. Aside from everything that has happened the last few years, that is. Glad to see you’re just like usual.”

Hearing Paul’s answer, Andrew’s face shows a slight frown.

"I’m sorry, Paul. For all that you’ve suffered through.”

"Don’t be. It’s not your fault, so there’s nothing you should feel sorry about. Besides, you’ve helped me a lot by offering me a place here. Although I have to admit, this place is very much unlike where you would’ve chosen.”

“So you do think that!” Andrew replies before bursting into laughter. “Well,” he says as his face changes to a somber expression, “people change. Time, happenings, tragedy. A lot of things change people. I’m not an exception to that rule.”

A short silence floats between them as Paul doesn’t know how to reply to Andrew’s words.

“Anyway, let’s get going. Is that all your stuff?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Did you ship anything to my office?”

“Unfortunately, no. I was much too eager to get away from that place; this is all that I have left. What a sight, isn’t it? From happily married and employed, to nothing more than an over-glorified bum.”

“Most of the bums I know back then didn’t have a master’s degree, though. Well, there will be a better time for us to reminisce of our past. Let’s get to your new place first. Did you bring what I told you to?”

“The signature stamp, right? Yeah, I do. Who knew the official hanko I made for fun as a joke way back then would be useful now,” Paul smiled bitterly while answering.

“Good! That means we can go directly to the agent’s office right now. I’ll go get the car, you wait at the drop-off point. Make sure you don’t leave anything behind!” Andrew replies as he walks out of the room towards the parking lot. Paul follows suit, taking his backpack and his luggage along, and exits the room to wait in the drop-off area. 

Not long after, as Paul is looking intently at the available options in one of the various drinks vending machines, Andrew arrives with his car, and right after it stops, the trunk pops open. Paul then quickly puts his luggage inside, and closes it before then entering the car, sitting in the front passenger seat.

“You’re good?”

“Yeah, I’m good. I have everything.”

“Okay, let’s go then,” Andrew replies while getting the gears in shift. The car then slowly drives forward and out of the station area, and Paul can’t help but take a look back, where the station gradually gets smaller as the car pulls away further and further.