was on the train the other day. It was crowded and lacked empty seats.
But you found one directly opposite from me. Opposites; why yes, we certainly were that.
Me with my blonde hair, blue eyes, and pale skin. You with a hijab covering your hair, dark brown eyes and brown skin.
At exactly the same time we noticed a young boy, maybe 7 or 8 years old who came zooming by both of us, headed towards the door to the next car. We both looked back to see if there was a parent in sight.
We looked at each other, both with eyebrows slightly raised as if to say, “I wonder where this child’s parent is because I don’t see anyone racing after him.”
A man walked towards the boy; we looked at each other and gave a sigh of relief as if to say, “Oh good, the child is with his father (or guardian) and not alone”.
The boy walked towards another train door waving his hand in circular motions; perhaps playing a solitary game of sorts. You and I smiled at each other, acknowledging this little boy’s playful spirit.
We both saw the man and the little boy get off at the next stop. Again we smiled at each other, knowing the little one was safe and had merely provided us with bearing witness to his curiosity for trains.
My stop was next. I got up, and noticed you were looking down at the floor. As I was just about to head towards the door, your eyes met mine and told me the same as mine were telling you: What a lovely conversation we had. Smiling at each other, we thanked one another for the shared moment without uttering a single word. None are needed when you speak the language of humanity.