Summary

Two strangers share a transformative conversation about life's pace, personal growth, and making the most of one's time while riding the MRT to Esplanade and Marina Bay, respectively.

Abstract

The narrative unfolds as two individuals meet on a train, where one offers directions to the Esplanade via the Yellow MRT line to the other. During their journey, they engage in a profound dialogue, revealing the first individual's love for the serene ambiance of the Esplanade and the second's fast-paced, hectic lifestyle. The conversation takes a reflective turn when the first individual shares a life-changing encounter with a woman on a flight to Jakarta, who imparted wisdom about the value of time and the importance of not letting life's harsh lessons consume one's life. This resonates with the second individual, who is grappling with a cheating boyfriend and contemplating a breakup. The narrative concludes with the first individual suggesting a pragmatic approach to ending the relationship and inviting the second to join them in changing trains, symbolizing a shift in life's direction to seek happiness and personal fulfillment.

Opinions

The first individual values slowing down in life to enjoy moments of tranquility and self-reflection, contrasting with the fast-paced modern world.
The second individual realizes the busyness of their life but finds some enjoyment in the constant activity, indicating a mixed sentiment towards their lifestyle.
The first individual's philosophy is shaped by a past encounter where they learned the irreplaceable nature of time and the need to actively reclaim one's life from setbacks.
The second individual is initially hesitant but becomes receptive to the idea of making significant life changes to reclaim their time and happiness.
The first individual suggests that it's acceptable to remove oneself from situations that no longer serve personal growth, such as ending a toxic relationship swiftly rather than dragging it out.
The narrative implies that chance encounters and conversations with strangers can lead to meaningful insights and personal transformation.

We met on the train. I just wanted to say Hi

A fiction based on dialogues between two strangers

Which MRT should I take to go to Esplanade?

The Yellow line should take you there. You can follow me, I am taking the same route too.

Thank you, are you going to Esplanade as well?

No, I am going to Marina Bay.

Great! I love MRT, they are so fast and easy to use.

Yeah, they are a blessing. What’s taking you to Esplanade? Are you going to catch a music show?

Not really, I love the ambiance. I like taking a book and reading it by the bay in the amphitheater.

Really! Wow, I have never heard of anyone doing that.

I know, but sometimes I like slowing the pace of life.

I don’t follow…

We live in such a busy and fast-paced time. A world where we hardly have time for ourselves. Whenever I get the chance, I try to slow things down by doing activities like reading, watching a performance, talking, or just soaking in life.

That’s an interesting point of view. I can relate to what you meant by a fast pace. I have hardly had a breather in the last few months. I am always running, running from one place to another. I don’t know how life became so busy.

Do you enjoy it?

I guess….I guess I do to some extent. Otherwise, why would I keep doing it? There’s so much to do.

That’s fair. Indeed, there’s so much to do. I attended an art class last weekend with strangers and it was super fun.

Do you paint as well?

Not really, but I thought what’s the harm in trying. And it was indeed fun!

Wow, most of the people I know are by-the-book kind of people. If I mention you to them, I know they are going to say that your way of living sounds risky.

You know, I would have said that too two years ago. But two summers ago, I met someone when I was flying out to Jakarta. At first, I was trying to keep the conversation as I had a lot in mind. Then she mentioned something that stayed with me and changed me forever.

What did she say?

Everything you lose, you can get back. But not time. You get older, and the time of your life keeps seeping away. Life teaches us through dark & harsh lessons. Yet after those lessons, we find ourselves in a better place. Please don’t allow those lessons to take up more time of your life than necessary. Fight back to get the time of your life back.

…Wow! I, I can’t believe it.

Yes, I was going through a tough time back then. I lost my job and was having trouble dealing with it. Everything seemed bleak to me. And the girl probably realized that. She showed me kindness and her words helped me get back on track. I realized by being occupied with what happened, I was putting my life in limbo.

I don’t know what to say.

You don’t have to. But let me say what I couldn’t that day. Thank you for being that person that day on the plane. You have no idea how much your kindness has helped me.

I have a question for you.

Sure, what is it?

This is not the first time you are going to Esplanade, are you?

….no, I go there frequently.

Then why did you ask me which train to take?

I was entering the station when I saw and recognized you. I was coming to say hi but then I overheard you. You were finishing a call saying “fine, I am coming to Marina Bay station” and you started crying. I could come up and still say hi. But I was not sure if that would help you. I wanted to return the favor.

….My boyfriend has been cheating on me. He is not even denying it. I tried to change things but nothing worked. I am going to break up with him today.

May I make a suggestion?

Yes, please. Although I think I know what you are going to say.

Fight back and regain the time of your life. If you are to break up, do it over the phone or text. You don’t have to waste any more time on this life lesson.

You know what? That doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I don’t have to ruin my afternoon in that way. Then what can I do with this extra time?

There’s a good ice cream place in Esplanade. To get to Esplanade, we will need to change the train at the next stop.

Will you? Will you change your train?

Ask yourself, if the train you are taking is going to take you to your desired destination. If not, why are you still on it?

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My other fiction:

To Give or Not to Give — That is Not the Question

A short story looking inside the mind of a man contemplating charity — and his underlying motive.

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