09:07. Mia is standing alone near the main doors. The ticket is in her hand. Leo is gone. But Mia has one question.
Leo. how do you know my name.
i did not tell you.
ok. i can explain
a man was at the machine. after me. he saw your ticket in my hand.
he said your name. he gave me your number. he asked me to find you.
what
what is his name
Sam
...
where is he now
he is on the platform. near the train. about twenty metres from you.
the man in the cream sweater. by the train.
good luck. i hope your trip is good 👋
Mia looked up from her phone. She walked to the platform. She saw him immediately — cream sweater, red hair, small bag. Sam. He was staring at his shoes.
sam
i can see you
oh
you have a bag
yes
are you on this train, Sam
...yes
ok. explain.
ok so... i bought your ticket. as a surprise. i wanted to travel with you today. i printed it at the same machine, right after you. but then you walked away and i just... i panicked. i didn't know how to say it. so i said nothing. and then you left the ticket in the tray and i saw it and i gave it to Leo and asked him to find you. i know. i know. it is very silly.
...
you bought my ticket
yes
and then you panicked and said nothing
yes
i am sorry. it was a bad plan.
sam 😭😭
that is the silliest thing i have ever heard
and also the nicest thing
look at your face 😄
please do not send that to anyone
ok ok 😄
next time just say: hey Mia, can i come?
noted. 100%.
A station announcement: the 9:00 train to the city is now ready. Final boarding.
come on. the train is ready.
ok. i am coming.
They got on the train together. Sam sat by the window. His face was still red. Mia was still smiling.
look. the city.
nice 😊
yeah. it is.