The stranger on the Platform

I was sitting on a station bench, completely shattered. My eyes were glued to the ground, waiting for the train to take me home after losing my job. I worked for a real estate agency—I loved that job. Everyone knew me, everyone liked me, but it wasn’t enough. "Staff cuts." That phrase kept echoing in my head. Two small words, yet they weighed as much as a boulder. I tried not to spiral into total negativity; I have my whole life ahead of me to find something else. After all, I’m only 23.

A Chance Encounter at the Station

I looked up to check how much time was left before the train arrived, and that's when I saw him. My gaze shifted instantly. I’ve been coming to this station for three years, and I had never seen him before. I thought to myself, “How is that even possible?” I didn't want to get my hopes up; I already had too much to process today. I grabbed my bag and walked toward the platform, noticing that he was approaching too. “Wait, is he actually looking at me?”

The train was delayed. Dammit. I stepped back and sat back down on the bench. It looked like we’d be boarding the same train. He sat down next to me and asked:

“Are you heading to Milan?”

“Yes,” I replied. “You too?”

“Yeah, I’ve got a party there tonight,” he said.

“Are you going to Chiara’s party?” I asked, surprised.

“I am. Do you know her?”

“We’ve been friends since childhood. I was supposed to go too, but... I’m not really feeling it, to be honest.”

“Why not? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“I’ve had a rough day... at the job I no longer have.”

“Oh wow, I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah, well, I’ll have to start over. Anyway, I’m Rita. And you?”

“Adriano. Pleasure to meet you,” he said, then added with a smirk, “I wonder if I’ll find another girl as beautiful as you at the party.”

“Haha, you’ve known me for five minutes and you’re already flirting?”

“I’m just complimenting what I see. I’m a gentleman.”

“Wow, you’ve got quite the confidence.”

“Am I wrong, then?”

“CRAP, THE TRAIN!” I jumped up.

“That was close, we almost missed it,” he laughed.

“Well, you know how it is—they fly through here.”

“Are you absolutely sure you don’t want to come to the party?” he asked as we boarded. “It would be nice to get to know you better, you know.”

“I’m not in the mood, but... maybe I’ll stop by.”

“That’s more like it! Haha.”

“This is my stop. I’m getting off. See you later... or maybe not! Haha.”

I couldn’t believe he actually came over to talk to me. It felt good; at least for a moment, I wasn't thinking about the job I lost. I think I’ll go tonight.

Finally, home sweet home. I started looking for an outfit—not too much, but not too little either. I was a mess earlier; I wanted to feel put together.

“Hey Siri, call Chiara.”

Chiara: “Hey! Are you coming tonight?”

Me: “I’ve had a terrible day. I got laid off.”

Chiara: “Oh no, I’m so sorry!”

Me: “Yeah, I don’t want to think about it. I think I’ll come, though, because...”

Chiara: “Because?”

Me: “Well... I met a guy who’s coming to your party.”

Chiara: “Who?”

Me: “Adriano.”

Chiara: “Oh yeah! We work together sometimes. He’s really sweet.”

Me: “I noticed. I’m hanging up now so I can get ready.”

Chiara: “Alright, see you later!”

Okay, good. I’ll wear this: a burgundy top, black trousers, burgundy heels, a black blazer, and a black bag. Simple on the accessories. I’m ready. It’s 10:30 PM. Time to go—I’ll walk, since Chiara lives just two houses down from mine. Here I am. I can hear the noise from outside. I step inside...

To be continued in the next episode…