I desperately slammed my fist on the train’s window. As the train station’s crowd swallowed me, my classmates stood there in the train, laughing and pointing. Panicking, I fought the hurrying human currents to the next platform. I rushed down an endless staircase, when suddenly, the stairs started to blend, I tripped, and then I saw nothing.

Eventually, my eyes opened. Silver-leaved trees loomed, lush grass tickled me, and the air felt untouched by time. A golden train with the words ‘Liminal Express’ engraved across the side bathed in amber sunlight, beckoning me. Unflinchingly, I stepped on.

The train instantly set off. The words “Please do not exit the train” echoed, although I couldn’t see a soul. The view outside the window began twisting into something familiar; I could see myself - but not my reflection. Scenes from my childhood flickered- reminding me of how I've always been an outcast.

As I blinked, the reflection of empty train cabin replaced the playground corner where my younger self stood alone, and my childhood face morphed into my regular reflection, the loneliness still the same.

Past, present, surely now future? Instead, my reflection was engulfed in secretive fog, although through the mist, sparks of hope twinkled in the distance. The thought of hope urged me to enter the world beyond the window, and before I knew it, I stepped outside.

I submerged into the secretive mist, until I felt an abrupt stop. Looking down, I realised I was on a train track. In a real train station. In the near distance, a train was coming- but I was frozen. Panic jolted the paralysis as I stepped aside the train, barely missing it.

In that moment, I felt the same spark of hope I saw in the distance, and didn't feel alone anymore.

(Title inspired by Beethoven’s 'Ode to Joy`, a classical piece reflecting the journey from isolation toward peace and harmony with oneself and others)