While I was still writing The Sub[bed]Version Anthology I was getting feedback and responses from various trusted friends and family. The most challenging note I recieved was from a very dear friend who really pressed me on some of my default settings. Her very strong challenge helped shape later stories substantially for the better but also resulted in not one but TWO alternative versions of the very first story, Lovers on a Train. I briefly thought about putting all three versions in the book, but calmer heads and a stubbornly sensible Publisher suggested it might be better to NOT inflict that on the innocent reader and rather offer the digital (and free) option here.
It's probably also only fair to admit, I'm a much better writer now than I was when I first wrote this story. While I've managed not to entirely re-frame, re-voice and re-write the whole thing, it has been impossible to resist tinckering with both new versions. So what we have here is a story told in three different ways, at least in part, over about five years.
Spoiler Alert: Due to the nature of linier time and narrative fiction, whichever version of this story you read first will be the only version that has the capacity to surprise you. Choose wisely.
Editing Note: These two versions have NOT been subbed by Tanya and her Subbing SWAT Team. Any and all odd spelling, eclectic grammar and outright crimes against litrature are mine and mine alone.