Mara Read Free

looking at her with hopeful expectation, for I couldn’t expect anything from her anymore.
    ‘That’s where ya have to be, Maria!’ Pieters walked over and stood beside me. He shouted, even though he stood close to me, and he pointed at the other side of a busy street.
    ‘That building there. Will ya need help?’
    I shook my head. I knew that he wanted to drop me off as soon as possible, so he would be able to continue and make the most of his workday. He kindly helped me with my suitcases, and he placed them on the quayside for me.
    ‘Thank you very much, Pieters.’ I shook his hand, slung the strap of the bag over my shoulder, took the two suitcases in my hands and started to walk.
    The building I headed for was large and tall. From the outside it looked regal, with ornamental relief, a small tower, and stained glass windows. I could hardly believe I would be allowed to just walk in.
    I chose the middle one of three tall entrance doors, and I followed other travelers, who all purposefully found their way. To the left and to the right I saw waiting areas, and I saw a sign that pointed out the royal waiting area. Not a place for me. I ended up at a ticket booth by simply following the travelers ahead of me. I kept a little distance and put the suitcases down beside me on the floor.
    I pulled the travel bag off my shoulder and unfastened the button, all the while trying to stay calm and look like a seasoned traveler. But my breath came fast and my fingers trembled when I took hold of the notebook in which I had written all the details of my journey. I had borrowed the grocer’s train timetable and had carefully copied everything, down to the abbreviation of each station’s name. That is how afraid I was to end up in the wrong place. I quickly found the right page and checked the list of train station, which I actually knew by heart by now. All I had to do was buy a train ticket. How hard could this be?
    I slapped the notebook shut and put it back into my bag. Then I lifted up my suitcases and joined the line-up.
    Most of the people ahead of me, I thought, were working class, judging by their clothing. They were clearly used to traveling, casually chatting amongst themselves while the line slowly moved up. Behind me new passengers joined the line. They also seemed to enjoy themselves just fine.
    Each time another person’s turn came up, I would pick up my suitcases, move one single step closer toward the ticket booth, and place the suitcases back down, one on either side of me. Bend, lift, step, put back down. Simple movements, but my fingers trembled more and more, and I started to transpire as I came closer and closer to the ticket booth.
    The Reverend had given me enough money, but not for my sake. It was all for the sake of appearances. Auntie was not to think that I had been sent away uncared for.
    ‘You will buy yourself a second class ticket.’
    I had nodded my head. Of course, appearances were worth a lot. I would be traveling second class, and if possible even in a women’s-only car. Although, the grocer had told me that they didn’t always have those anymore.
    Finally it was my turn.
    The man at the booth yawned good and long behind his hand and he blinked his eyes a number of times.
    ‘Good morning Miss, how can I help you.’
    ‘I would like to buy a train ticket.’
    ‘I figured that. Where to?’
    ‘To Velp, sir.’
    ‘What class?’
    ‘Second class, please.’
    The man pulled a green pad of paper toward him and he started to write quickly. He looked up for a minute.
    ‘One passenger?’
    ‘Yes, sir.’
    He lay down his pen and put a stamp on the paper.
    ‘That will be seven guilders and fifty five cents, Miss.’
    I took my little wallet from the bag and fumbled in the coin compartment. I was looking for three two-and-a-half guilder coins and a ten cent piece to give to the man, but I let the ten cent coin slip and it rolled onto the floor. I bent down to pick it up, but I could not get a