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The original was posted on /r/nosleep by /u/MaximusFurious on 2024-09-18 19:23:40+00:00.

I currently work as a train station master, or rather, assistant station master even though I tend to do all the duties of both. ASM, as my name tag so helpfully proclaims to anyone with exceptional eyesight.  However, working out the acronym in itself might take some time. Although a small station in North Wales, it’s one that sees plenty of foot traffic due to the nearby mountains, especially Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales.

On a typical day, you’d find me behind the booking desk, issuing tickets to the constant flow of tourists and hikers or helpfully describing the best way to reach the summit of our beautiful mountain. It’s a monotonous job, but it pays the bills, and I’ve grown fond of the routine over the years. I’d been eyeing the station master position for some time, eagerly waiting on the day old Gwyn would finally retire, but the old man has still got a spring to his step for a 70 year old, so I think it’ll still be some years yet.

The day my life changed forever was supposed to be my day off.  My wife Ruby and I had planned a trip to Anglesey to visit the South Stack Lighthouse, as I’d always had a love for these beacons of safety, or danger, on how you approach it.

The evening before our trip, I was relaxing on the couch watching the tele, whilst Ruby was busying herself in the bedroom

“Hey babe, you all packed for tomorrow?” I shouted to her

Her voice drifted back from the other room, tinged with amusement. “Unlike you, mister last minute, I packed yesterday. We’re only going for one night remember, not embarking on a six-month cruise.”

“I only wish,” I chuckled, as she came back in and plopped down beside me on the sofa.

“Promises, promises,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Just as soon as you get that promotion, right?”

I turned to her, a mischievous glint in my eye. “Well, I can definitely promise you’ll beg me to stop in less than a minute." before pouncing to tickle her mercilessly.

“Stop!” she squealed, curling into a ball and swatting at me playfully.

Our moment was interrupted by my phone ringing. I glanced at it over my shoulder, hesitating.

“Leave it,” Ruby urged, trying to pull me back knowing where the seductive dance would lead.

“But what if it’s work?”

She groaned, kicking herself away. “You and your bloody work.”

I reached for the phone, answering with a hint of guilt. “Hey, Gwyn.”

“Sorry it’s late, Sam,” Gwyn’s voice crackled through the speaker. “I didn’t mean to disturb you, but I’m afraid I had no choice. My son’s been in an accident, and I need to get to Liverpool Medical Hospital ASAP. I need you to hold the fort tomorrow while I’m away.”

My heart sank, both for Gwyn and our ruined plans. “Jesus, I’m so sorry Gwyn. Of course, I’ll cover. Is your son okay?"

“I’m sure he will be, old boy. He’s a tough nut to crack. I know you had the day off, and I’m sorry to ask as I’m sure you both had plans.”

“Not at all. Anything I can do to help. Please let me know how he is when you see him.”

After hanging up, I turned to Ruby, deflated. She instantly recognized my expression and moved to comfort me.

“What’s happened?”

“It’s Gwyn. His son’s been in an accident. I need to cover tomorrow. I’m sorry, babe, but our trip will have to wait.”

Ruby hugged me tightly. “oh honey that’s okay. I understand. As long as his son’s alright.”

The next morning, I woke after a restless night, leaving Ruby sleeping peacefully. As I went through my morning routine, I caught sight of my unpacked suitcase in the corner. “Every cloud,” I muttered with a wry smile, at least saved from the chore of packing.

The day at the station started like any other, albeit with the added responsibilities of Gwyn’s absence. I surprised myself with how easily I took to the senior role, handling phone calls and coordinating staff. If anything, it was good experience for when I eventually took over permanently.

As the clock ticked towards the end of my gruelling 12-hour shift, I sent Ruby a quick text, promising to make up for our cancelled plans with her favourite meal and a relaxing bath. The lack of response didn’t worry me; she was probably busy with her own work.

Just as I was about to leave, Kayley, our young ticket booth collector, knocked on the office door.

“Come in,” I called.

She entered, looking a bit nervous. “Um, boss…”

“It’s Sam, Kayley. We’ve worked together long enough now.”

She smiled sheepishly. “Right, sorry, Sam. I’m all cashed up for the night. Is it okay if I head out to catch the early bus?”

“Of course. Have a safe trip home. See you tomorrow.”

No sooner had she left than the office phone rang. I recognised the central control number and suppressing a sigh before answering. “Sam speaking. How can I help?”

“Hi Sam, its Steve from control. We’ve got an issue on your line – seems to be an obstruction on the southbound track just past the station. Probably just a broken branch. Any chance you can take a look? We’ll have to delay any trains until it’s sorted.”

I glanced at the clock, my frustration mounting. “It’s just me left at the station now, Steve. The night master won’t be in until 9 PM. It’ll be difficult to leave the station unattended.”

“Completely understand Sam. Because of the obstruction, the last train has been delayed until 9:10 PM. It should only take you a few minutes to check as it looks like the error on the line is less than 10 meters from the station.”

Realising I had no choice, I agreed. “Alright Steve, give me 20 minutes, and I’ll ring you back.”

“Thanks, Sam. It won’t go unnoticed.”

I hung up, took a deep breath, and prepared for what I hoped would be my last task of the day. Donning my station jacket, I grabbed the heavy portable torch and my mobile phone.

The station was eerily quiet as I left the office. With only one more train stopping tonight, I didn’t expect many passengers this late on a Sunday evening. The emptiness felt oppressive as I walked along the platform and down the ramp towards the southbound tracks.

Switching on the high beam of the torch, I watched as the darkness retreated before me, revealing the path of the train tracks ahead. I looked back one last time, half-hoping to see someone enter the station, but was met with the same emptiness as before.

“I guess it’s just me, you, and this fucking branch then,” I muttered to the tracks, trying to psych myself up for the task ahead.

I’d walked only a few meters when my mobile rang. Not wanting to miss a call from Ruby, I fished it out of my pocket.

The screen read ‘Red’, my nickname for my auburn-haired wife. I answered quickly, “There she is, the love of my life.”

“Have you heard of the trolley problem?” a distorted male voice replied.

My blood ran cold. “What? Who is this? Where’s Ruby?”

“I said, have you heard of the trolley problem?”

“Who the fuck is this? Why do you have my wife’s phone?”

“Answer the question, Samuel. I don’t like repeating myself, let alone thrice. And the last thing you want is for your wife to die because you couldn’t listen.”

My heart pounded in my chest as realization dawned. “Okay, okay. Wait a second. Trolley problem. Yes, I’ve heard of it. It’s the question about ethics and making the right choice. Sacrifice one to save many.”

“Correct. And you, you lucky son of a bitch, are about to solve it.”

“Wait… why? What have I done to you? I’ve got money, not much, but it’s yours. Just please, don’t hurt my wife.”

The voice chuckled, a sound that sent chills down my spine. “Oh, Sammy, I’m not going to hurt anyone. I’m going to leave that all down to you.”

“What do you mean? Where’s my wife, you bastard?”

“Someone’s got a potty mouth, hasn’t he? Keep walking and you’ll find your answer.” The call ended, leaving me frozen in place, mouth agape as the torch light danced in front of me.

Apprehensively, I moved forward, terrified of what I might find. After several meters, at the junction of the tracks, I caught movement in my peripheral vision to my left.

I directed the torch beam towards the movement, and something glinted in the light. As I moved nearer, I realized it was coming from human eyes. I rushed forward to the body strapped across the train tracks and instantly recognized the prone form of my beloved Ruby.

She’d been tied to the tracks with chicken wire, blindfolded and gagged. I immediately set about trying to release her from her binds as she squirmed beneath me. I removed her blindfold and gag, revealing her terrified face.

“Sam,” she cried, tears streaming down her face “get me free… please!”

“I’m trying,” I said, struggling with the restraints. My fingers were already bleeding from the sharp wire, leaving crimson smears on Ruby’s clothes and skin.

The mobile rang again, but I ignored it, focusing on freeing my wife. It rang again and again, each time heightening my panic.

Suddenly, a message flashed across the screen: “ANSWER THE FUCKING PHONE OR YOUR WIFE WILL DIE IN MINUTES.”

Shocked, I jumped when it rang once more. This time, I answered.

“Finally. You listen!”

“What do you-”

“Shut it. You’re done talking. You listen to me now, and that’s it. No more talking. I will explain the situation, and then you will make a decision. It’s as simple as that. You can choose between your wife-”

“My wife… please… I choose my wife. You can take me!”

“It’s not that easy, Sammy. Interrupt me again, and I’ll end you both right now.”

There was a pause, and as I didn’t answer, he continued.

"Good. Right then, th…

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