Two walked into the subway car. A little girl, possibly 5 or 6 years of age, and her guardian— very likely her mother. And as the train resumed its journey, they stood, holding on to a subway pole, keeping close —a gentleness to their energy.
At some point, they began playing a game. It consisted of the guardian teasingly reaching out with her index finger to touch the little girl’s arm, while the little girl tried to evade it before contact was made. The game was contained— the parameters of the playing space, narrow. But it was obvious they were delighted and very much engaged. They looked to be of Spanish descent.
Sitting not too far away, I, too enjoyed their interaction, smiling along with the guardian when she succeeded in making contact that had the little girl giggling quietly. And smiling every time the guardian’s almost contact —full of teasing— resulted in the the girl tensing up in anticipation.
They were having fun and making wonderful use (and possibly wonderful memories) out of their time spent riding the subway, getting from point A to point B. And I got to share in it :) Lucky me :)