“Excuse me, can you tell me how many more stops to Parkview?”
“It’s eight. You can see it up there on the Rail Network Map.”
“Thanks. How’s your day been anyway?”
“It’s been long. I’m happy it’s over. How about yours?”
“Yeah, not too bad. I’ve just been riding the train.”
“Cool.”
“Busy day at work?”
“Yeah, it’s always busy this time of year.”
“That’s too bad.”
“How’s work been for you?”
“I don’t work… I can’t work anymore.”
“Oh. Sorry to hear that.”
“It’s okay, I get to meet lots of people on the train.”
“Well, that’s something then.”
“Do you still remember a stranger who you met during your train journeys? What made them memorable?”
“Hmm, no, I don’t think so. I don’t usually talk to people on trains.”
“Well, maybe I can change that for you tonight.”
“Maybe.”
“What do you think the most hated mode of transportation is anyway?”
“Uh… for me, it’s walking. Does that count as a mode of transport?”
“I guess so.”
“What’s yours?”
“I dunno. Definitely not the train. I think maybe driving, because I can’t drive anymore.”
“Oh, that’s a shame.”
“No, it’s okay, I don’t mind… I’ve met lots of people on the train.”
“Yes, you mentioned that.”
“Where are you getting off anyway?”
“Redleaf. Only a few stops now.”
“Damn! That’s too bad.”
“Hey, did you drop this?”
“Ah, yes. That’s mine. I just ate before I got on the train, but I was saving the fortune cookie for later. I always like to read it after I’m done.”
“Right… I guess…”
“I love this type of train. All the seats are facing each other so you can talk to people. Not like those other trains where your seat is facing the back of someone’s head.”
“The other trains aren’t so bad. I like to get lots of reading done on my train trips, so the privacy is nice.”
“Sounds awful!”
“Not to me.”
“I’ve met so many people on the train. Besides, is your time truly wasted if you enjoy wasting it?”
“I guess not.”
“What book are you reading?”
“Well, I’m trying to read, Talk Less, Say More. It’s apparently going to solve my modern communication issues… but so far, it’s not working.”
“I don’t think I have any issues communicating. Maybe I could help you out?”
“Well, this is my stop… wait, I thought you were getting off at Parkview.”
“I’m starving all of a sudden.”
“Didn’t you say you just ate?”
“I know a good Chinese takeaway near Redleaf station.”
“Oh really? I’m not sure I know that one.”
“It’s a few blocks away, but I don’t mind walking… not like you.”
“Okay, well I guess I’ll see you around… oh, the Chinese place is this way?”
“Yeah, it’s a couple of streets this way.”
“What’s this place called anyway? I love Chinese and I’ve been trying to find a place near here since I moved in.”
“Uh… it’s called Golden Dragon, or maybe Lucky Dragon… something like that.”
“I’ll have to look it up later. Anyway, it was nice meeting you.”
“So, which one would you choose: be alive and alone or about to die with your best friend?”
“Whoa, what kind of question is that?”
“Now that we’ve been getting to know each other a bit, would you consider me a friend?”
“… Umm, I… I really gotta run. I’m meeting some friends later.”
“Why do people always do that when I ask that question?”
“Wait, what’s that sticking out of your pocket?”
“This? I always use this. Doesn’t it look pretty shining under the streetlights?”
“What are you doing with…”
About the Creator
Sandy Gillman
I’m a mum to a toddler, just trying to get through the day. I like to write about the ups and downs of parenting. I’m not afraid to tell it like it is. I hope you’ll find something here to laugh, relate to, and maybe even learn from.
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Comments (3)
Oh dear! I didn't expect it to go that way... The annoyance shifted to something a little more dangerous at one point, but I never would've guessed that ending! Nicely done!
I like how ordinary this starts. Just small talk, nothing special… and then the tension creeps in quietly. That contrast really works.
Omggg, as an introvert who has high anxiety and especially hates small talk, this would have been my worst nightmare. Also, what's that thing in his pocket at the end?