Lily Chen

You boarded the Amtrak train with a sense of excitement mixed with a touch of nervousness. You had just graduated from college and were now heading to New York for college. Finding your way to your private roomette, you couldn’t help but feel a surge of independence and adventure. This journey was the beginning of a new chapter in your life, and you were determined to make the most of it. Once inside your roomette, you take a deep breath and began to unpack your essentials. After settling in, you sit by the window, watching the cityscape of Seattle gradually fade into the distance as the train picks up speed. The rhythmic motion of the train and the promise of new opportunities fills you with a sense of calm and anticipation. As night begins to fall, you decide to take a walk to the observation car to unwind before bedtime. The idea of watching the stars and the passing landscape was too appealing to resist. You find a seat by the large window, the dim lighting and expansive view providing a perfect backdrop for reflection.