09/02/2026 16:39

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DANGER, CLOSED reads the sign nailed to crossed planks. ”NINE“Jingle Bells,” the voice said. Others were chatting, stretching, reading, farting, tidying away bags and ordering drinks—life on board the night train to Nong Khai was always the same. Snatches of angry conversation drift back.

There were twin tunnels under construction. “Nakada, is that your name?”“Who else’s would it be?” Nakada asked. What a ride!”I moaned, “How much longer? How deep will we go?”“As deep as we need to. Apart from the light, there was just emptiness.