JetUNsetter

In moments humanity lets me down with the darkness of its evilness and stubbornness my mind tends to travel to moments I have experienced kindness and generosity. It seems as though my mind needs something to hold on to. A reminder not all is bad even though it seems that way. I grew up in circumstances of the western peace, humanity paid so expensive price for back in 1940s. I took piece and prosperity for granted growing up. Not that the Balkans or the Middle East were turbulent free throughout but in the past years following the dark, tumultuous era of the pandemic, two wars broke off just round the corner. I know, Africa has been a war zone as I was growing up, Yemen has been a ridiculous failure of humanism but a war so close to home still feels different.

I don’t have the historical knowledge to equip me with the robustness to make comments about Hamas, Israel, Ukraine or Putin. So I will just hold on to this cute little story. Maybe my inner child needs it. Needs a reminder that it will be alright in the end. This is the very reason children like bedtime stories after all.

A couple booked last minutes tickets to a destination. The train was packed! They could not find seats next to each other. No big deal you would say. To them it was. They were that very huggy, touchy, close, warm, loving pair of people. The make of a pair who cuddle a lot. Kiss the forehead of each other. Show love and affection publically, spread warmth around them. They went to the station and realized that they only way they could travel together would be to upgrade first class. They were not rich. It is not a casual thing for them. You can tell by their looks and ambience. They are not poor either arguably, they are after all contemplating traveling first class. The point, however, is what they are willing to sacrifice for moments of togetherness. Someone might call them fools. To them though, touching hands and being close to each other for a few hours more seems important.

They are told their train is fully booked and the upgrade cannot happen at the cashier nor online. They need to wait for the train manager to pick up the request and decide on the spot. They are happy to wait. They are determined to travel together.

Lucky them, the train manager is also a fool. An immature romantic. A bastard who did not care that much about the corporate profit of the Trainline. Gives them a ticket to business class (so a double upgrade). Tells them the card reader is broken. Lets them travel for free. Lets them spread their glow.

Please help me make sense of this one too. Or don’t 🙂