[This is what my 40 year old self told my 30 year old self when they accidentally shared an empty coach. My 50 year old self may have very different things to say- maybe I should get them to meet.]
The first thing I noticed was her book; Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird". The train was almost empty, but I chose the seat directly opposite her.
She was in her late twenties, though the severe hairstyle made her look older. Her clothes were too big for her––perhaps she hoped to cover the excess fat, but she only looked shapeless. I noticed she was using a boarding card as a bookmark––definitely a professionally qualified executive.
She must have sensed my scrutiny, because she looked up. I met her eye, and smiled.
"I was looking at your book", I said. "I have exactly the same copy."
"It's one of my favourite books,” she confessed. "Must have read it at least a dozen times."
"Me too." We got chatting.
"Who runs?", she asked, looking at my backpack with the logo of a marathon.
"Me. I've done four half marathons, and one full."
"W-O-O-W", she drew out the syllables. "I can't even dream of running 5 kilometers."
"Why don't you try? You might surprise yourself. That's what I keep telling my kids."
"You have kids? You don't look it."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're so slim."
"Well, I do work out."
"I wish I had the time."
"You can always make time." I knew how superior I sounded.
"I guess so! But tell me", she said, changing the subject. "Is motherhood all it's made out to be?"
"I can't imagine not being a mother", I replied. "But have kids only when you are ready to put your life on hold for them."
Her station came. "Been great meeting you. Hope to run into you again,” she said grabbing her bags.
"We will." I reassured her. "And one other thing. Harry Potter. Do start reading Harry Potter!"
I don't understand why my friends are dreading turning Four-Oh. My twenty-nine-year-old self had not recognized me, and she was clearly impressed by what I had become. How many more surprises are in store as I advance further into the best age––the middle ages.
Originally posted here
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Loved it...
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