I was on my way to the office sitting on the train platform. I hate how the trains never come on time, today out of all days. I had a life-changing presentation. Today the investors will decide whether they want to invest in my project. The uncertainty of it always leaves me scared. It was 8:15 in the morning, and everyone around me was dressed up in office formals trying to reach their office on time. But the summer heat is forcing everyone to take off their suits.

After enduring a brief wait, I heard a whistle and felt the ground tremble beneath me. The approaching train cast a dark cloud of smoke into the air with its steam engine roaring. As the train neared the station, people began to gather their belongings, racing to secure the best spot. Nobody wanted to stand during their exhausting commute to the office, especially before the day had even begun.

The train only paused for a fleeting moment, forcing passengers to hurry aboard and secure a spot. When I just got on the train, I heard a man shouting, “Please help me with my luggage or I will miss the train.” He had 4-5 bags, struggling with them, and was loading one of the entrances with his luggage when the train whistle blew; it only meant one thing, the train was about to move. I saw a glimmer of fright in his eyes and shouted back to hold my hand. Together, we leaped from the platform, landing amidst the pile of bags.

It wasn’t until I saw him up close that I noticed his striking handsomeness. Light freckles adorned his nose, perfectly placed as if nature itself had positioned them. His curly hair possessed golden highlights, some strands gleaming under the sunlight. His locks fell gracefully onto his eyes, which captivated me like the shimmering winter moon. I must have been lost in my gaze, for I faintly heard him speak, but my attention remained solely fixated on him. As I regained my senses, I realized he was expressing gratitude. He explained that he was leaving town for work, hence the excessive luggage. Curious, he inquired about my destination and my name. “Office,” I replied, “Karla.” He introduced himself as Josh. Only two words escaped my lips, leaving me dumbfounded.

Never before had someone left me so astonished. I had often rendered others speechless, but this was an entirely new experience. It was then I realized that my station was about to come. I wanted to miss this day in the office to talk to this man, but I had my presentation. Without further delay, I hurriedly exited the train and bid him farewell, simultaneously hoping it wouldn’t be our last encounter.

To be continued..