Quick Tales

The last train of the night pulled into the station with a soft hum, the sound of its brakes echoing in the stillness. Sophie hurried onto the platform, her breath visible in the cool air. She barely caught it, slipping into the nearly empty carriage just as the doors slid shut.

It was late, and the city was quiet. Sophie settled into a window seat, pressing her forehead against the glass. Her thoughts wandered as the train moved forward, the city lights blurring outside.

As the train made its way out of the station, a figure appeared in her peripheral vision. A man, around her age, entered the carriage and sat across from her, one row over. He had dark hair, slightly messy, and wore a wool coat. Their eyes met briefly, and he offered a polite smile before looking away. Sophie gave a small, awkward smile in return, hoping her exhaustion didn’t show too much.

She pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, glancing at him again. He was reading a book, completely engrossed, but something about him felt familiar. She couldn’t place it, but it was as if she’d seen him before.

Minutes passed in silence, with only the rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks to fill the air. Sophie tried to focus on the passing scenery, but her mind kept drifting back to the stranger.

Then, unexpectedly, he spoke.

“You’re always on this train,” he said, not looking up from his book. His voice was low, gentle.

Sophie blinked, caught off guard. “Excuse me?”

He smiled, finally glancing at her. “You. I’ve seen you on this train before. Always around midnight. It’s become a bit of a routine for us, hasn’t it?”

Sophie’s brow furrowed. She hadn’t realized anyone was paying attention to her late-night commutes. “I guess I didn’t notice,” she replied, feeling a little embarrassed. “I take this train after work sometimes, when the days run long.”

The man closed his book and shifted slightly to face her. “Same here. Late shifts, long days. But I’ve always wondered…” He paused, his eyes locking onto hers with a curious warmth. “What keeps you going so late?”

Sophie hesitated, caught in his gaze. She wasn’t used to people asking her such things. “Life, I suppose,” she said softly. “Work, bills… trying to figure out what comes next. You?”

He smiled, leaning back in his seat. “Same answer, more or less. Though lately, I’ve been wondering if I should be looking for more than just work and bills. You know?”

Sophie nodded, understanding all too well. She’d felt that restlessness, the feeling of just existing without really living.

For a while, they didn’t speak, just sat in a comfortable silence, the train carrying them through the quiet city.

“What’s your name?” he asked suddenly.

“Sophie.”

“I’m Ethan,” he said with a grin. “Nice to meet you, Sophie. Officially.”

“Officially,” she echoed, smiling a little at the playful tone in his voice.

The train began to slow as it approached the next station. Ethan glanced at the doors, then back at her. “This is my stop,” he said, standing up.

Sophie felt a strange pang of disappointment, though she couldn’t explain why. “Mine too,” she lied, standing as well, not wanting the conversation to end just yet.

They exited the train together, the cool night air hitting them as they stepped onto the platform. The station was nearly deserted, just the two of them and the soft hum of the city around them.

“So,” Ethan said, his hands in his coat pockets, “I’ve always wanted to ask you something. What do you think about the idea of meeting someone on a train—just like in the movies?”

Sophie laughed softly, her breath visible in the cold air. “I think it’s probably overrated. You know, romanticized.”

“Maybe,” he said, stepping a little closer, his eyes twinkling under the station lights. “But maybe some things are better left romanticized.”

She felt her heart skip a beat as he held her gaze. “Maybe,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ethan smiled, then glanced down the platform. “I think I’ve found a reason to look forward to these late-night rides,” he said softly. “Maybe we could grab coffee sometime. Or meet on the train again—same time, same place.”

Sophie felt warmth spread through her chest, a flutter of something new. “I’d like that.”

He took a step back, still smiling. “Until next time, then.”

As he walked away, disappearing into the night, Sophie stood there, her heart racing in a way it hadn’t in a long time. The midnight train had always been just a routine, a part of the daily grind.

But now, she thought, maybe it was the start of something else.

The End.