I was at the train stop.
And suddenly an elderly man sat down next to me.
It made me feel uncomfortable.
I don’t like people getting too close to me.
I tried to justify the situation by accepting that the seat wasn’t that big.
He started coughing.
That irritated me even more.
I didn’t have to put up with it.
And I asked myself, of all the places in the universe, why the hell did he have to sit right here?
I was about to stand up.
When he said to me, “Good morning, young man.”
I said, “Good morning.” (With my fake smile)
He smiled naturally.
I thought, “At least this old man is gay.”
Meanwhile, he said, “You reminded me of when I was young.”
I replied, “Why?”
He answered, “I also dressed well, always impeccable, shiny black leather shoes and a mad desire to take on the world, although with time everything passes.”
I smiled naturally because I didn’t know if it was a compliment, I let my guard down and asked him, “And what happened?”
He replied, “I did it, I achieved what I set out to do.”
In my mind, I thought: If he had succeeded, he wouldn’t be in this dirty station waiting for the train.
He added: Everything we fight for is nothing more than an illusion. We are always wanting and wanting. We are not happy with what we have and we want more. And in that struggle, our lives slip away, without enjoying the miracle.
Even if you don’t believe me right now, you already have everything.
I said: Well, I’d like to have a car, so I wouldn’t have to take this unpleasant train.
He replied: You’re going to have one, and I imagine you also want a house, you’re going to have that too. Do you want to be the best? You’re going to be that too, and if one day you want to start a family, you’re going to have that too.
I said: May God hear you and smiled.
He added, “Young man, if this crazy old man can give you one piece of advice, it’s that life isn’t about what you get, but how much you enjoy what you have.”
You know what… When I was young, I exercised a lot and kept my body in shape. I loved the feeling of jogging freely on the beach, and when my girlfriend accompanied me… Wow, she was so beautiful and radiant. Her red ribbon in her hair and a book on the sand made it look like a scene from a movie. Those moments were perfect for me. I never thought she would become my wife.
If I could give everything I have, I would give it without hesitation to relive that moment.
I asked him, “And where is she?”
He replied, “Far away, but she’s waiting for me.”
Son, right now your life is someone else’s dream, but you are fortunate to be living it.
Enjoy it.
My train was coming, and I said:
I’m taking this train. Have a nice day.
And I turned around when I heard: Son! Don’t forget…
I immediately turned around, and he added: You already have everything…
I replied: Thank you very much.
And as I watched him sitting there, he raised his hand to say goodbye, and I did the same.
The train pulled away, and when I could no longer see him, I had the feeling that my judgment of the man had been very cruel.
I wondered if I really did have everything, but I wasn’t aware of it.
I said to myself: Do I really want a car? What a stupid answer.
I immediately called my girlfriend, told her I loved her, and invited her to Malibu on Saturday.
She accepted and asked me: I’m delighted, but why such a sudden invitation?
I replied: You are a miracle in my life.
A miracle I want to enjoy.
I immediately heard her crying.
And I knew that my heart was safe with her.
Written by: A member of Atelier d’écriture LaRose🌹
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