Steph
Memory of a Train Sign
Memory of a Train Sign
We are moving to West Sussex is what I heard as a 13-year-old child. I took a big gulp, the sense of excitement and anxiety rushed through my veins as I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. I had always had routine. I grew up in a small village in south Wales and everyone knew each other, my friends all lived in close proximity and my two nans who also lived near were a big part of my life. A move would mean a big change, I felt comfortable and I would no longer have the comforts of my hometown. I attend a high school with friends I have known since pre-school, I feel safe.
As a family we move to a house on a tree lined road in the November of 2000. Rotting leaves scatter the pavements as I briskly walk to my new school. The smell of the autumn air fading and condensation on my breath indicating winter is on its way. On starting the new school, I am orientated to my new surroundings whilst being ushered through the hustle and bustle. New buildings to navigate, friendships to build and being made to feel like I’m from a different country. I feel out of place and this feeling lingered. The students in class seem surprised when I demonstrate the ability to speak fluent English. After the first week of school, I was invited into town with a group of girls who took a shine to me.
In the distance I notice a shiny green sign glistening in the low sun. In white letters I read the words LITTLEHAMPTON, it felt surreal to be here. This is my new home now and I needed to get used to it. I hear a monotone voice over the tannoy to alert the other passengers of an impending arrival. All of a sudden, I hear the sharp sound of twenty doors slamming one after another as though they were part of a band. I observe several carriages pull down their sash windows to enable opening of the door from the outside. The sense of everyone rushing was infectious as I felt my feet step one in front of the other toward a carriage. The aroma of fresh coffee filled the carriage as I sat patiently waiting for the train to depart.