An unexpected gift
When you accidentally end up in just the right car
Be sure to tune in for tomorrow's post, a truly momentous one that we promise you're going to love!
There I was, rushing to make the Amtrak train from Bridgeport, CT to Washington, DC. I already had to change my ticket once, from the 7:44am train to the 12:19p.m., thanks to an unexpected work event.
Even with the time switch, I had to drive like a semi-maniac to make the train. Dashing through side streets, just catching yellow lights. The time was ticking away. 12:13, 12:14. I found the first garage I could, directly across from the train station.
12:16, 12:17, 12:18. I parked the car, and ran like Michael Johnson dodging traffic to cross the street. I was sweating, making my way up the two flights of stairs to the train platform. I was sure I was going to miss the train.
And just then, right as I made it to the platform, the train approached and the doors opened. I didn’t have time to think about which train car I’d sit in, I just looked for the first open seat available.
And then, to my great surprise, I looked up. The sign affixed to the ceiling of the train car. “Quiet car.”
My entire body relaxed, knowing I wouldn’t be listening for hours to someone’s loud phone call or conversation. A napper’s dream scenario. An unexpected gift. And right then and there I smiled, and closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep in the Quiet Car.