The Long Way
January 27th, 2021
Starring: Traveler (20-35), Attendant (30-50)
Europe. A smaller town train station, morning. Attendant sits at a kiosk, behind glass. All the trains and times are behind them, illuminated on a screen.
Traveler, a small duffel slung around their back, briskly walks up to the kiosk. Traveler starts/tries to speak in the country’s native language:
TRAVELER
Good morning.
Are there any spots left on the 10:07?
Attendant responds, in English:
ATTENDANT
All sold out, I’m afraid.
There’s space on the 10:47, if that is ok.
Traveler responds in English, grateful but a little deflated:
TRAVELER
Same arrival station?
ATTENDANT
Yes. And you’ll arrive around the same time as the 10:07.
TRAVELER
How’s that?
ATTENDANT
The 10:47 is a high-speed train. No regional stops either.
TRAVELER
Oh.
ATTENDANT
Would you like to buy a ticket?
TRAVELER
...no. I’m not looking for a fast train.
ATTENDANT
I assure you they’re equally safe.
TRAVELER
That’s not a worry. It’s more of an ethical dilemma.
You see, I’m on a trip to take the long way around.
ATTENDANT
I don’t follow…
Traveler points to a country-wide map, showing the train routes:
TRAVELER
I flew in...up there.
But I’m looking to get to this little town...there.
ATTENDANT
That’s a thirty minute bus ride between them.
TRAVELER
Yes. So I thought instead of that, I’ll find the longest route around the country to eventually get there, and that will be my trip.
I’m not staying anywhere longer than a night. Often it’s on the train.
ATTENDANT
This is your vacation?
TRAVELER
It’s my vacation days. But it’s a quest. To make my destination feel like a destination.
ATTENDANT
And when you arrive…?
TRAVELER
I’ll feel like I earned it. Because I committed myself to the journey.
…
ATTENDANT
Interesting. Very American, but very interesting.
TRAVELER
If I went straight to my destination, you’d call that American too.
ATTENDANT
Mm. I suppose I would.
…
You do not want to be on the 10:47. I cannot get you on the 10:07. The only other option is to take the regional East to its terminus, then connect back West to this station, then connect again on the regional South at 3:07. Its lack of convenience does not make me wish it on anyone.
But you said you want the long way. This is that.
…
TRAVELER
I’ll do it. When does the regional East leave?
ATTENDANT
9:54.
TRAVELER
...uh. It’s 9:52.
ATTENDANT
So it is.
Attendant holds out their hand:
ATTENDANT
7.75 please.
Traveler scrambles in their pockets, sliding Attendant a 10 bill under the glass.
TRAVELER
Keep it. I’m an American.
ATTENDANT
Platform 7a. Enjoy your voyage.
Attendant slides Traveler their ticket with a smile:
ATTENDANT
Run.
Traveler takes off.