The Platform

The train approached the platform, slowing down. People stood up, preparing to alight at the station; making their way to the nearest door. On the platform stood a woman, looking as the train approached. The doors opened, but she stood without approaching the train. A train was scheduled to approach every half-hour on the platform. The woman would be waiting for a long time should she not get on the train now.

Two people approached -- a young man and woman, in their early-to-mid-twenties -- and went up to the woman. The woman looked up, for the man was notably taller than her, and smiled. She embraced both of the people in a warm hug. Everyone smiled. There was a feeling of warmth in the air. I reflected and wondered how long it had been since those three people had seen each other. Was the older woman their mother? For how long had they been waiting to see each other?

I gazed through the window on the other side of the train. The hug ended; everyone was joyful. They walked together away from the platform. The mechanics of the train roared, indicating that we were about to start our journey to the next stop. I smiled, knowing that I was part of that one moment; a time that will not be replicated. Minutes later, I had arrived at my final destination. I went on with my day with the memory of what I had seen in the back of my mind.

Tagged in life.