Stories in Minutes

Destination

She just stood there, so still and alone.

She's so close to the tracks, I thought.

The next train was a quarter of an hour yet, but...

A little scared of where my thoughts were taking me, I approached her.
Closer now, I could see she was younger than me but smartly dressed. Her hair pulled back in a slick ponytail.

What made me think that? She didn't seem the type.

Yet, her shoulders slumped and she stared at nothing and no one. Her thoughts were what kept her company.

I could read a few by the way her chin wobbled, how she bit her lip to stop it. Her face would gradually smoothen into an expressionless mask, and then the struggle for calmness would reappear.

It repeated over and over until...her head turned towards me, eyes on my hand which was on her shoulder.

Quickly, I withdrew my hand. I hadn't realized I'd moved! I wracked my brain for an excuse before I'm suspected for a weirdo, maniac or crazy.

She looked at me for another second before returning her gaze to...nothing. But not before I saw the glitter in her eyes. Not anger. Sorrow. Pure, deep sorrow.

"Um. Excuse me," my voice filled the silence between us.

She looked at me from the corner of her eye.

"Can you please tell me the time?"

"It's 7:37," she said automatically.

"Woah. How did-"

She pointed in front of her. Lo and behold, the clock was right under my nose the whole time.

I scratched my head and gave her a sheepish smile. It was wasted on her; she wouldn't even look my way. Still, I grinned like an idiot.

"I didn't realize it was there." I cleared my throat. "Thanks."

Her gaze snapped towards me this time. There was surprise in them.

"You're welcome," she said. After a couple of minutes, she added in a stronger voice, "Thank you, too."

I blinked at that. I would've asked why but she beat me to it, saying:
"No one's thanked me before. You're the first."

A small smile graced her face. A little sad, nonetheless still a smile.

I nodded, returning hers with my own. I had nothing to say afterwards.

The train arrived and we both got on it. I was the first to get off. We bid each other a good day; a wave and another smile exchanged.

I watched the door close and the train depart. I hoped that next we meet, we'd be able to talk to each other without me being tongue-tied.