The Train Seat Conversation

Kasia is 26 and works as a hairdresser. After a long day, she gets on the evening train. It is not very full, so she sits by the window and closes her eyes for a minute. At the next stop, a man sits next to her. He is around her age and holds a small guitar case. His phone rings, and he answers quickly. He speaks softly, but Kasia can still hear. “I can’t play on Saturday,” he says. “My sister’s wedding is that day.” Kasia opens her eyes. She thinks he is talking to her. She smiles a little and says, “Oh, congratulations.” The man looks surprised. “Sorry?” Kasia feels her face get hot. “I thought… you said wedding,” she says. He laughs, but not in a mean way. “Yes, a wedding. I was talking to my band.” He points to his phone. “I’m not getting married. My sister is.” Kasia wants to disappear. She looks out the window and says, “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to listen.” “It’s okay,” he says. “The train is quiet, and my phone is loud.” They sit in silence for a moment. Kasia thinks about changing seats, but there are not many free places now. More people got on at the last stop. She takes a slow breath and decides to be normal. After a minute, the man opens his guitar case a little and checks something inside. Kasia is curious. “Do you play in a band?” she asks. “Yes,” he says. “We play at small events. We are not famous, but it’s fun.” Kasia nods. “I cut hair all day. I don’t have a band. But I like music.” He smiles. “I’m Leo.” “I’m Kasia,” she says. Leo looks at her hands. “Your nails are colorful. Did you do them?” Kasia laughs. “No, I’m bad at that. A friend did them. I only cut hair.” Leo says, “That’s still a skill. My sister always says, ‘Please don’t let Leo cut my hair.’” Kasia laughs again, and this time she feels relaxed. The moment from before feels less heavy. The train moves through dark streets and bright stations. Leo tells her he is nervous about the wedding because he must give a short speech. He says he wants to sound kind, but also a little funny. Kasia thinks for a second. “If you speak from your heart, it will be fine,” she says. “And keep it short. People like short.” Leo nods seriously. “Good advice.” When Kasia’s stop comes, she stands up and takes her bag. “This is me,” she says. Leo looks up. “Nice meeting you. And… thank you for not disappearing.” Kasia smiles. “Thank you for not making it worse.” She steps off the train and walks to the exit. She still feels a little embarrassed, but now it is the good kind—the kind that turns into a small story later.