Warning: Mention of rape.
8/22/18
To Monica,
I was standing at the station, Breathing in the damp cool air, thinking about how I would miss my friend who is leaving for two years. You tapped me on my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts with your hand that radiated with kindness that I could feel through my hoodie that I was snuggled into, and asked: "Can I get to the airport from here?" I turned with a smile. "Yes you can get off at the last stop, jump on the A-line, it's really easy". Your face beamed and your gray eyes lit up with relief.
Brown hair moved with the whisper of the wind that brought the sound of cars and life from below. We talked and got on the train and I learned your life story. You're a wonderful woman, taking care of your daughter, her husband, and your new grandbaby. Your daughter was the outcome of a malicious rape in Kansas that you should never have gone through. I told you about my friend and how I was purely sad. You said I had too big of a heart which could get me into trouble.
And it will, and has, but I don't regret it. As my stop came up you said: "Thank you, my daughter, will be grateful to you." You gave me the best hug and we parted ways. Monica to the airport, you made my heart smile on this rainy drippy gray beautiful day. Thank you I hope you made your destination safely.
-Nicole Lightfoot
Picture is not mine
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YOU ARE READING
To the People On the Train
Non-FictionThis book is about the people I meet and the adventures I have while riding public transit!
