Strangers on the same track
The train rocked gently as it sped along the tracks, its low hum punctuating the silence between passengers. Mia sat by the window, her fingers drumming against her knee, her gaze fixed on the blurred countryside outside. The city had faded an hour ago, replaced by fields she didn’t recognize anymore.
Her phone buzzed on the seat beside her. She sighed, picking it up.
Mom: “Call when you get in. Dinner’s at 7. Don’t be late.”
Mia locked the screen without replying, her jaw tightening. She leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes, trying to summon calm.
“Not a fan of dinner plans?”
The voice startled her. Her eyes snapped open, and she turned toward the aisle. A man sat across from her, leaning casually against the armrest. Dark eyes. A faint smirk. The kind of face that looked like it belonged in old photographs.
“Excuse me?” Mia said, more defensive than she intended.
He shrugged, his smile softening. “Sorry. You just looked like you were having an argument with your phone.”
Mia’s lips twitched, almost a smile. Almost. “It’s nothing.”
“Sure didn’t look like nothing.” He tilted his head, studying her. “First time heading back home?”
She frowned. “How’d you guess?”
“It’s a look,” he said simply. “You’ve got it.”
“A look?”
“Yeah. That ‘why the hell am I doing this’ look. It’s kind of hard to miss.”
Mia crossed her arms. “And what makes you the expert?”
“I’ve been on this train before,” he said. “Same look. Same question.”
Her curiosity stirred despite herself. “So? What was your answer?”
He chuckled, low and warm. “Still working on it.”
Mia leaned back, trying to suppress the strange pull of his words. “You always talk to strangers on trains?”
“Only the ones who look like they might bolt before they get off.”
“Am I supposed to thank you for this intervention?”
“Not at all,” he said with a grin. “But you’re welcome anyway.”
Mia rolled her eyes, though the corners of her mouth twitched again. “You’re awfully nosy for someone I don’t know.”
“Ethan,” he said, offering his hand. “Now you know me.”
She hesitated, then shook it. “Mia.”
“Well, Mia, I’m just trying to keep myself entertained. It’s a long ride.”
“Is that what this is? Entertainment?”
“Hey, I could go back to my book if you want,” he teased, motioning to the paperback in his lap.
“Don’t let me stop you,” she said, but there was a challenge in her tone.
Ethan didn’t move. “Nah. You’re more interesting.”
She raised an eyebrow. “I doubt that.”
“Suit yourself.” He leaned back, watching her like he had all the time in the world. “So, what’s waiting for you back in Ridgewood?”
The question landed like a stone in her chest. She hesitated, unsure if she wanted to answer.
“Nothing,” she said finally.
Ethan didn’t look convinced. “That’s a long ride for nothing.”
“Maybe I like long rides,” she shot back.
“Fair enough,” he said, but his gaze lingered, as if he could see through her words.
The train slowed, and the conductor’s voice crackled over the speakers, announcing the Ridgewood stop. Mia’s stomach twisted.
Ethan stood, grabbing his bag from the overhead compartment. “Guess this is us.”
“Us?” she asked, startled.
“I’m getting off here too,” he said casually.
She blinked. “You’re from Ridgewood?”
“Something like that,” he said, his tone unreadable.
Before she could press him, the train jolted to a stop. Passengers shuffled toward the exit, and Ethan gestured for her to go ahead.
“Ladies first,” he said with a playful smile.
Mia stepped onto the platform, the crisp evening air hitting her face. She glanced over her shoulder, but Ethan was already walking toward the station’s exit, his figure disappearing into the crowd.
Her phone buzzed again.
Mom: “Don’t be late.”
Mia sighed, tucking the phone into her pocket. She took a step toward the taxi stand, but her thoughts were still on the stranger with the easy smile and the cryptic answers.
She told herself it didn’t matter.
But deep down, she knew it already did.
