08:59. Mia is still at the ticket machine. Sam is not replying. The train leaves in one minute.
Then a new message arrives. Not from Sam. From a number Mia does not know.
hello. i have your ticket. i took it from the machine. sorry!
WHAT
who are you??
my name is Leo. i was at the machine after you. i took the ticket by mistake
i am still at the station
A station announcement plays: the 9:00 train to the city is delayed by eight minutes.
ok ok. the train is late. i have time
can you send me a photo? of the ticket?
here. this is your ticket.
yes!! that is my ticket!
where are you now?
i am near the big doors. the main exit
ok i am near the machines. that is not far
i am walking to you now
ok. i have a blue jacket and a grey scarf
i have an orange hat
ok i can see you
where?? i dont see you
i am waving. by the big doors. on the left
Mia walked fast through the station crowd. She saw a man in a blue jacket waving near the doors. She walked to him. He gave her the ticket.
oh my god, thank you so much. like, thank you. i was so stressed. you saved me. really.
it was my mistake. i am sorry again
i have it!! 😭
sam look!! i have the ticket!!
Sam does not reply. Two grey ticks again.
good. i am happy for you
thank you Leo. really
no problem. have a good trip, Mia
...
wait
i did not tell you my name
Mia looks at the ticket in her hand. Her name is on it. But she never said her name to Leo. Not once.
Leo?
No reply. Mia looks up. Leo is gone.