They Told Me to Take the Train, I Took the World Instead Novel – The whole family was getting ready for a trip, and when my husband’s childhood friend, Emily, heard about it, she begged to join us. Without hesitation, my husband canceled my flight and booked one for her instead, telling me to take a 36-hour train journey in a standard seat. I looked at my family—to my surprise, they all agreed with my husband’s decision.
So, I changed my ticket and headed west, spending three months away from home without coming back. The whole family was in a state of panic… It was rare for my husband, John Turner, to take annual leave, so our family planned a long trip together. Six months ahead, I started picking destinations and making travel plans. Everyone else in the family stayed out of it—I took care of everything: flights, hotels, food, and sightseeing.
It wasn’t a big deal, though. I didn’t mind the hard work, as the most important thing was that the family was happy. Flights were hard to come by, so I had booked tickets for everyone well in advance. My sister-in-law, Samantha Turner, mentioned she had never flown first class, so I paid out of my own pocket to upgrade the entire family’s seats. Just before we were about to leave, John suddenly said to me, “Emily heard about our trip and wants to come along.
Our flight is fully booked, so I’ve bought you a train ticket instead.” With that, he sent me the electronic ticket for the train. “What do you mean? We’re all going together, and now you want to bring Emily along?” “Yeah, she wants to come, and of course, I’m taking her.” I was furious, “So when my sister heard about our trip and wanted to join, you said we were going as a family and didn’t want any outsiders.
But now that Emily wants to come, you immediately agreed?” “Emily and your sister are different. We’re more than family—we’re like blood relatives. In my heart, we’ve always been family.” “So why should I sit on a train when I already have my flight booked?” “The flight’s sold out, so I had to cancel your ticket and buy one for Emily. You’ll have to take the train instead.” I glanced at the electronic ticket he sent me.
Wow, 36 hours in a standard seat. “So, you bought Emily a first-class flight, but I have to sit in a standard seat on a long train journey?” “You said you enjoy to enjoy the scenery from the train window. This is the perfect chance to see it all.” I glanced at my father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Margaret Turner. Robert turned his face away. Margaret came over to persuade me, “Linda, Emily has known John since they were kids.
They have so much to talk about, so it’s natural they should sit together. You’ll just have to endure it, and we’ll meet up when we reach our destination.” Samantha added, “Linda, Emily’s health isn’t great. She won’t be able to handle such a long train ride in a standard seat. You’re stronger, so it won’t be a problem for you.” I was so angry I almost laughed. “Who’s really part of this family? Anyone who doesn’t know us would think Emily is your wife, not me!” John shot me a cold look. “It’s just a train ride, no big deal. Besides, Emily grew up with my parents. We’re going together, and we can’t let her sit alone for 36 hours on a train.
You’ll just have to endure it—this is what being a good sister-in-law is all about!” Just then, the doorbell rang. Samantha quickly went to answer it. It was Emily. “Emily, you’re here! I’ve been waiting for you for all day! Come in, come in!” Samantha eagerly helped Emily bring in two huge suitcases. “Emily, I missed you so much. If you hadn’t gone abroad, you could’ve married my brother, and we’d all be one big, happy family!” Margaret took Emily’s hand. “That’s right. I always knew you and John would end up together.
In my heart, you’ve always been my daughter-in-law. No one can compare to you!” They said this all in front of me, with no shame whatsoever. At that moment, I completely lost faith in this family.