Being a creature of habit, I used to travel to work in the same train carriage each morning. I recall how one day, as the train stopped at the city terminal, I could see on the station seat opposite my window, a young couple holding hands, facing each other, obviously enjoying each other’s company and apparently oblivious to the peak hour traffic passing them by.
Inwardly, I wished them well. The next day the same scene greeted me again. The couple were sitting in the same seat, smiling and chatting with each other.
Each morning I couldn’t help but notice the same couple in the same position. I just smiled to myself and thought what a wonderful way it was for this couple to start their working day.
The weeks turned into months and they maintained their morning ritual. Then as suddenly as they came, they disappeared.
Afterwards I looked at the empty seat the couple occupied each morning for so long and wondered about their lives. For me, it had been an enjoyable experience seeing them each morning. Perhaps I might just be a bit of a romantic at heart, but I can genuinely say that It brightened up my day seeing them so happy.
I wondered whether the couple had affected any of the other regular commuters on their way to work, many of whom seemed to walk past with their thoughts obviously on their own concerns.
Maybe, if more couples were prepared to openly display their love for their partner, albeit just holding each other’s hand, it would be good for them, and it also could brighten up the day for those in the world around them.
I’m Peter Mack and that’s life.