Short Stories Collection

The Train Ride

I saw him every day on the train for months. We had never spoken, only exchanged smiles and subtle waves. I was always the first to depart and not once did I have it in me to approach him.

I wasn't ready.

His handsome face would dance in my mind each and everyday. Guilt eating me alive as I fought the feelings just the mere thought of him brought out in me. I couldn't bring myself to let go, to say goodbye forever.

Years had passed since I last held my love or kissed his lips. Five years since I heard his voice whisper my name. Tears had long ago run dry but the gaping hole in my chest was a constant reminder of my greatest loss.

My heart was bound to him eternally and to think of another man in such a way was unfair to his memory. My love owned my heart, my soul. How could I ever consider giving myself to another? I couldn't.

My chest ached as I made my way to the station, longing and dread mixing together to tie my stomach into knots, strangling the butterflies within. I yearned to see my train companion, even from a distance. But I feared I would dishonor my vows to my beloved.

Life was fo unfair sometimes. Giving you something magical only to rip it away a short time later. Agony threatened to burst from my chest but I forced it away. The train station was no place to fall apart.

I held my head high and made my way to the awaiting train, my eyes automatically searching the crowd for a glimpse of my unknown man. I knew I shouldn't. I knew it was wrong. But I couldn't help myself. There was something about the mystery train rider that I was unable to get out of my head, day or night, he was there.

A break in the packed compartment let me glimpse the Auburn locks I had come to instant recognition. Wavy and thick, I wanted to run my fingers through it but how odd would that be? A stranger suddenly molesting your hair? I scoffed to myself. How absurd my thought had become.

And suddenly there he was, his smile bright and his hazel eyes glittering with determination. He was making his way towards me. I held my breath, my heart pounding and my chest aching as I thought if my lost love. Somewhere in my mind I knew he would want me to be happy but could I really let him go?

"Hi, I'm James." My train companion said as he stopped in front of me. "I've been seeing you for a while on the train but we've never spoken. I wasn't sure if you even noticed me."

His voice was smooth and sweet, like honey to my ears, his nervousness evident.

"Y-yes, I have," I stammered. "I'm Amanda."

His smile widened.

"Join me for dinner?"

Be happy.

"I would love to."

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A/N: Word Count 500

This was written for Aim to Engage 2019 Wattpad Spiritual Prompt - Five Years Later

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~SM~