Metro Rides

There’s something about metro rides. 

The couples. The girl, who touches her foot to his. She leans into him. Her smile lights up the carriage and her laughter echoes through each of us. 

The parents. His hands protectively around his baby, hands that would protect his child from anyone and anything that dares come near. 

The old Madame. Wrapped in layers, pushing her way onto the train with experience that can only have come from a lifetime of living in a capital city. She carries a suitcase. Does she go home to a husband? To children? To grandchildren? Or does she go home alone…

Then there’s us. The solo voyagers. Quiet, timid, wary – until we find a like minded soul. And then for a rare moment, we exchange a smile, sharing the same air, before the metro doors close and we’re on our own again.