Yesterday, after work, as I stood on the downtown platform waiting for my train to arrive, another commuter came over. And stood right next to me.
But why? Was my first thought. You see, to my mind, a relatively ghost town of a platform meant not necessarily having to stand side by side since there was, in fact, all this unpeopled, unclaimed, expanse of ground as far as the eyes could see. By now, you may have guessed that I’m not one naturally inclined to gather with the masses. If ever there are crowds involved, I tend to find a less populated spot to wait.
Okay, I’ll just wait for the train and walk a few cars down when it arrives. But on the heels of that thought, the commuter who, upon closer observation, was an older looking gentleman, signaled to get my attention.
Turning down my podcast, and taking out one of my earbuds, I heard him inquire if the next train was headed to Flatbush. I confirmed that it was, unless, due to the current snow storm, it ended up being re-routed. He asked if I was going to Flatbush. I was. He then asked if I’d let him know when we got there. Being someone who has greatly benefited from travel directions / assistance from kind strangers, I found myself flashing a smile and saying, “Sure.”
When the train arrived, we boarded together and at first stood next to each other. But at some point during the 45 minute commute, we each found seats, and maintained a general sense of where the other was.
As we pulled into our destination, we made eye contact once again, and together, got up and headed towards the exiting turnstiles. During our brief walk he shared with me that he was from Guyana and had only been here three months. He was still figuring out how to get around, but had encountered very nice, helpful people along the way.
I almost missed out on this pleasant exchange, I thought to myself.
When we reached the turnstiles, we exchanged goodbyes and went our separate ways.
But not really.
I mean, yes, literally, we did. But it’s an interaction I’ll remember, an interaction likely to weigh in on future interactions with others in similar circumstances, so, in a way, it’ll always be with me.
And it’s one I can say, without a doubt, that I don’t mind carrying around :)