Johnathan

This is for Dalankar. For you and your love of Johnathan and the maroons. Inspired by a dream and the third state of origin game. I'm a blues supporter but couldn't help myself but be inspired when Thurston started crying :(

Johnathan dumped his heavy pack on to the damp concrete platform of the train station.
The sun was peeking through the grey clouds which sent rays of sunlight across the overlooking green fields.
He wore a light-coloured short sleeve shirt and jeans. He hadn't cut his hair and now his dark strands brushed loosely across his face as a cold wind swept across the platform.
He felt his body weak and wished for the arrival of the train.
No one was here. Good, he thought. He didn't want anyone here. It would make things complicated. Difficult. Two minutes until the train’s arrival.
Johnathan picked up the pack. It was heavy and he dropped it onto the ground right away.

”Johnathan!” A voice called out from the entrance of the platform.
Johnathan turned to find Matt Scott running towards him.

“Where are you going?!” Matt shouted.
Johnathan looked away. He couldn't do this.

“Johnathan?” Matt grasped Johnathan's arm and forced Johnathan to look at him.

“Don't go, Johnathan. Don't. We can fight this here, together” Matt shouted.
Johnathan felt his eyes clouding.

“Matt” Johnathan spoke his voice wavering.

“You know I can't” Johnathan said. “Matt. It's my life. Let me be” He turned way.
Matt turned with him. Johnathan wiped his eyes quickly.

“Johnathan” Matt pulled Johnathan against him. Johnathan hesitantly leaned against him.
“It hurts” He whispered.

Matt didn't come here to stop Johnathan from getting onto that train. He knew he couldn't persuade Johnathan to stay.

The train was coming.

“Thanks for everything” Johnathan said.

Matt smiled. “My pleasure”

The train halted. Johnathan was the only passenger. He picked up his pack.

Johnathan was few steps from the door when Matt's fingers wrapped around Johnathan's. Matt took the pack from his ex-captain’s hand.

Matt stepped on to the train before Johnathan.

Johnathan was surprised by Matt's actions. But he was more than grateful. He knew he couldn't do this alone. He didn't want anyone to do this. Not for him or anyone. But he couldn't describe his feelings of gratitude as Matt waited for him inside.

Returning Matt’s smile, with tear filled eyes, Johnathan Thurston stepped into the carriage.