blank

A WEEK ON THE TRAIN

Thursday
Today I get a seat immediately. Part luck, part knowing which stretch of the platform will maximise my chances. I’m starting a new book today (The Girl on the Train, ironically) and don’t want the bustle of passengers interrupting the crucial introduction of Chapter One. Instead, it’s the couple standing in front of me, kissing at ten-second intervals like teenagers behind a bike shed. Not fully fledged kisses, more like precise pecks. But it’s enough to draw my attention and it bothers me. I retreat to my book, words passing at the rate of wheels on the track. One half of the lip-lock duo gets off at South Kensington. I feel grateful for her departure. Mines not for another five or so stops. I can enjoy my book in peace now. 

Friday
No seat. I’ve slipped back into my old ways of checking Instagram first thing and I instantly regret it. I look up, the sun reflects off windows of identical brick buildings. I’m blinded for the second time today. Seat. No excuse not to pick up my book. It sits on my lap as I scan the carriage, hoping none of my companions will turn out to be a bother. I don’t think they will. They can tell I need respite. 

Monday
I wait beneath pale blue skies. The air crisp and wind strong, the full wrath of Winter Storm Ciara miles in the distance. The tracks tweak and pang to signal a soon arrival, I remember it will be hours before I’m back home. Despite being well-rested I’m slightly more irritated than usual at the constant opening and closing of doors. I make a mental note to drop this attitude before work. Perhaps around the time of minding the gap between the train and the platform, as I’m so often reminded. 

Tuesday
My jacket is so thick it spills onto the seats beside me. Its collar pushed up against my jawline, serving as a neck rest when I tilt my head back slightly. I look like a Polar Bear. My eyes meet the stranger not two feet in front of me. He looks like Freddie Prinze Jr. In another life, we’re soulmates, the kind who drink coffee in bed on a Sunday and use words like “babe” and “CrossFit”. In this one, it’s five minutes later and I’ve forgotten all about him. 

Wednesday
I feel a small sense of midweek victory. Two down, three to go. I shouldn’t wish the days away, even the in-between ones like these. “Nothing will be the same in a year,” I remember, squeezing my eyes shut so hard my face looks all crinkled. I take in the familiar rustle of newspapers, the slow sway when the train bends, the cool air as the doors part. I’ll grow to miss this I’m sure of it, and just like that, we’ve arrived at my station. 

10 Comments
  • blank

    Don Hastie

    February 12, 2020 at 11:34 pm Reply

    Bloody brilliant!!! Quirky, funny and I felt like I was there with you on the train. Certainly brought back memories.

    • blank

      Carla Hastie

      February 13, 2020 at 9:32 pm Reply

      Legend pops!

  • blank

    Deborah Finnigan

    February 13, 2020 at 8:58 am Reply

    Love it, you are a talented young lady xx

    • blank

      Carla Hastie

      February 13, 2020 at 9:33 pm Reply

      Thank you very very much! Warms my heart x

  • blank

    Paddy Byrne

    February 13, 2020 at 11:36 am Reply

    needs more dragons

    • blank

      Carla Hastie

      February 13, 2020 at 9:35 pm Reply

      Concise and constructive. I like it!

  • blank

    Lesley Calver

    February 13, 2020 at 11:47 pm Reply

    now I’m transported back to “mind the gap” yay Carla- loved it!

    • blank

      Carla Hastie

      June 5, 2020 at 10:31 am Reply

      I never realised just how much I would miss it!

  • blank

    Marilyn Head

    January 27, 2021 at 7:57 pm Reply

    This is so beautifully written, Carla – your Dad showed it to me at Don and Lesley’s in Kuaotunu a few weeks ago and it’s stayed with me every since. I love ‘one half of the lip-lock duo’ – made me laugh, wryly! Looking forward to the novel…. Marilyn Head

    • blank

      Carla Hastie

      January 27, 2021 at 10:48 pm Reply

      Thank you for your kind words – made my day!

Post a Comment