*****
By late afternoon and after two changes of train, Karen and Jonathan were on the last stage of their journey home. Jonathan would be getting off the train at Ravensgill Bridge and Karen would be continuing on to Leeds.
“Do you have any plans for New Year ’s Eve?” said Karen.
“Not really. I’ll probably go down to the Ravensgill Arms with a few friends. I never do much at New Year. I’m usually in bed by one o’clock!”
“I’ve got a spare room,” said Jonathan. “Why don’t you come out on a Saturday morning and stay overnight? You could meet some of my friends.”
“That would be great! Let’s get back to normal after New Year and then I’ll give you a call.”
The train slowed down as it prepared to stop at Ravensgill Bridge. There was just enough light in the sky for Jonathan and Karen to see the bridge as they passed over it. Jonathan stood up. “Have a Happy New Year!”
Jonathan picked up his suitcase and made his way to the door at the end of the carriage. There, he turned round and waved at Karen. “Bye.”
“Bye,” said Karen, “I’ll call you.”
Jonathan stepped off the train onto the dimly lit platform of Ravensgill Bridge. He waited on the platform until the train started to pull out. He saw Karen in the brightly lit carriage and waved. When the train had gone, he crossed the footbridge and let himself into the station buildings that were his house.
Chapter 16