Iringa

After five days of travel, the train finally pulled into Iringa city. It had to stop at almost every station to replenish supplies, and Iringa was considered a major stop, so it would remain there a little longer.

As Will's hometown, this was where he had to meet his family.

Stepping out of the carriage, Will felt somewhat lost. First, there was an unfamiliar station building, two stories high and built of red brick, no different from those in Europe. When Will had left Iringa city, there had only been a few small houses here, along with a crude wooden station sign. There had not even been a platform beneath his feet.

Standing on the platform built from cement, bricks, and stone, and looking at the station building before him, Will realized this was not the "Iringa City Railway Station" from his memories.

"What's wrong, Will?" Mary held their son and saw her husband standing there at a loss, so she asked.

Will steadied his emotions and said, "Perhaps it's that timidity one feels when nearing home. Besides, this station in Iringa city is vastly different from what I remember, so my feelings are rather complicated."

Edris said, "Mr. Will, this station should have been completed just three or four years ago. Although I often travel along the Central Railway line, I do not remember the construction dates of every station very clearly. Still, many stations in East Africa used to be in extremely poor condition, so it is understandable that the difference from your memories would be so great."

"Yes. Back then, Iringa City Railway Station was nowhere near this grand. The entrance was surrounded by simple fencing, while the surrounding area was all mud and grass. The train stopped right on the tracks, and boarding was a struggle.