In Transit

I usually take the train around the same time every morning. I would have to say I am never, ever on the same train twice. At least not on purpose. I am spoiled in the regard that the trains are almost always in the station when I get there and I seldom have to plan to be there in order not to miss one. So, as long as I get on a train that departs before 7:11am I can make it in ontime for work.
Seeing as I have a great  memory, an almost photographic memory, I am able to remember people quite easily. I know who gets on what train every morning. I gauge whether or not I am on time by the people I see, not by the clock. It's quite interesting.
One of my very favorite relationships to watch is that of an older couple. They are probably fifty-ish. She is tall and slender, stylish and sophisticated. He is shorter than she is - at least when she's in heels - graying and a little soft around the middle. Every morning, she walks with her hand in the crook of his elbow. He guides her from the car to the platform, on to the train. A stoic chaperone.
On the mornings when I arrived at the same time they did, I would smile, fall in to step behind them and start imagining what they did, where they were headed. I didn't have to imagine too long because one day as I was headed home, I bumped in to them - quite literally - the train platform. I laughed to myself a little, thinking of all the train platforms in all the cities at all the times of day ...
Mostly, though, I love that they are together. Maybe they're having an affair with one another, they meet at the train for a sordid 30 minute love-ride. Maybe they've been married for 35 years and have taken the train together everyday for the last 15 ... maybe this is the only time of day they get to spend together without worrying about work or the kids or what's for supper. Maybe.

Elsie P

PS - I haven't seen this couple in several months. The last time was around November ... Hopefully when the weather is nicer, I will chance to run in to them again.