He departed even before dawn; it was possible to hear the faint song of the few birds flying across the sky.
The pale man accompanied him to the station.
—I apologize for waking you so early.
Said the old butler, rubbing his hands against the cold.
—There's no need to apologize; besides, I don't sleep.
The butler laughed, took a handkerchief from his pocket, and gently cleaned the lenses of his glasses.
—Besides being magical, you're an excellent humorist.
—But I am not a humorist.
His tone was serious, and his gaze was like that of a hunter.
Silence settled for a brief moment; only the soft sound of the cold breeze brushing the nape could be heard.
To break the mood, the old butler gave him a pat on the shoulder.
—Don't speak like that, you're scaring me.
—Forgive me, I forget that an old man's heart is so fragile.
—I'm not old, I'm young and full of energy.
He puffed out his chest and showed a big smile, but ended up feeling a pain in his back.
—Yes... it seems I am old.
He insisted with a subtle smile.
. . .
The sound of the steam train arriving could be heard; the noise of the gears and the brake mechanisms was a bit loud.
—It seems the time has come.
He scratched his forehead, took a deep breath, and stepped toward the entrance, but before going in, he turned and looked straight into the red eyes.
—I don't really know who you are, but I trust my master's choice. I want you to take good care of his young lady; despite her cold and unfriendly demeanor, she is a young woman with a good heart.
A tear rolled down his aged face, he closed his eyes slowly, and bowed as deeply as he could.
—Please... take good care of her.
Despite showing no emotion, the pale man spoke words of comfort.
—Don't worry, I will take care of her. I would never let anyone harm her. Besides, she is the master's daughter. Don't bow; I don't need such foolish sentiments.
The old butler showed a slight smile while wiping his face with a handkerchief.
—I believe she will be in good hands.
Before he realized it, he heard a whistle signaling that the train was about to depart.
—Goodbye, I hope we can meet again.
Said the old man.
—Perhaps we'll meet in the other world.
He said, making a simple gesture with his hand.
He laughed, laughed so heartily, laughed as if he had been rejuvenated.
—You are very amusing, young man.
The pale man did not respond to the laughter. The dark wooden door closed with a dull thud that echoed across the empty platform. The old butler, still with a tired smile on his lips, remained standing, somewhat thoughtful.
The mysterious man, who had now become the new butler, stayed standing until the train became nothing more than a point of light and steam, disappearing into the darkness that preceded dawn. The station fell silent, leaving only the cold and the solitary song of the first bird of the day.