The conductor stood near the entrance of the carriage, dressed in a dark uniform trimmed with brass buttons that gleamed in the morning light.
Alexander handed over the two paper tickets Mina had carefully purchased at the wooden booth.
The conductor glanced at them briefly before pressing a small metal punch against each one. The sharp click echoed crisply as tiny crescent-shaped holes appeared near the corner.
"Second carriage from the back," the conductor said. "Seats are first-come, first-served."
Mina nodded quickly and tugged lightly on Alexander's sleeve as they stepped forward.
The inside of the train was warmer than the cool morning air outside. The scent of polished wood and faint coal smoke lingered in the cabin. Sunlight streamed through the rectangular windows, casting long stripes across the narrow aisle.
