Oversleeping

Ok, I did it. I got a little cocky and slept though my stop on a northbound train. It actually happened yesterday, but my ego needed a day to recover. Here's how it happened:

I have grown fond of the Harlem line lately, as the shuttle from North White Plains is void of people who have either volume control problems or personal hygiene issues. Plus the train rides are shorter. As soon as I boarded yesterday, the car was especially warm, and I knew I was done for. The train stopped for a while before getting to 125th street station, and I gave in to my eyelids.

I can't remember a lot of what happened after that. I clearly recall waking briefly at white plains, the stop before mine. Well the next thing I know I'm watching the doors from my seat. I then see the sign that says "North White Plains." The train doesn't move immediately, and I could not find a conductor or other way to open a door. I also remember that this was the last stop for this train.

Thinking I'm the ony one left on board, I start looking for something that may open the door. Then the train starts moving and I am struck by terror, not knowing what happens to trains after the last stop. I find and immediately start mashing a green button on the ceiling that says "CONDUCTOR." The train hesitated and stopped. Initially relieved, I look down into the next car to see a conductor charging towards me, while shaking his finger. Overcome by guilt, I must have apologized a dozen times in a minute. His reprimands were a little unclear... I was sorry that I had used the green button, but is was a better option than an emergency break, or being trapped in a trainyard for the next 8 hours.

He let me out and I made it the rest of the way just fine. I'm limiting myself to southbound naps only for the time being. But its not easy to resist the need to hibernate with snow on the ground.