A Series of Observations

They both were running late, no time for coffees or second glances in the mirror. It didn’t matter what their hair looked like, or if their tie was straight, as long as they left quickly. Yet running late did not change the perfect wave of their hair or the quickly straightened ties as doors were locked.

Subway cars were met with crowds of eager city goers all on similar treks to various parts of town, all waiting to contribute to the world that turned around them. The woman adjusted the song on her playlist, opting for something smooth and calming to remedy her rising nerves. The man opened his book, placing his bookmark in the inside breast pocket of his suit jacket. Each took a simultaneous deep breath, waiting for the final moments of calm to pass before their full days ahead of them.

The woman enjoyed the music and peered around the subway car. She admired the differences of people the city brought together, living their complicated lives at the same time, sometimes with disruption, sometimes in harmony. Her eyes glanced quickly over a handsome man reading a book and let herself wonder about him. She equally rolled her eyes, knowing that her dating history as of late has truly been story worthy, but never containing a happy ending.

The man had completed multiple chapters and placed the bookmark back to hold his place, as he was close to the ending and wanted to spare that excitement for the ride home. His stop was next, and he rose to stand in front of the doors. As he stood, the woman was awaiting departure next to him. Standing a full head shorter than him, her hair swayed over her shoulder as she quickly looked towards him, a hint of her warm and floral scent hitting him. They smiled politely at each other, and he let her exit the subway car before him.

They didn’t notice each other afterwards, as the crowds had swallowed them both whole. They were paying so little attention that they hardly noticed when they walked into the same coffee shop, only moments behind each other. The man ordered his black coffee, hearing the sweet sing of a voice behind him. It was the same woman from the train, her phone pressed to her ear and a notepad in her hands, vicious notes being taken. At the completion of his order, the man handed the cashier money, paying for the coffee of the woman. He walked to the edge of the shop and sat at a table near the window.

The woman had ended her call and successfully added to her to do list in a matter of a single minute. Stepping up to the cashier she ordered her coffee and upon receiving it, had the pleasant surprise of it being free. She quickly asked who she could thank, and the teenage boy behind the tell smiled shyly and motioned to her cup. She brought the sleeve of the beverage down and written along the cup read, “I’m sitting by the window, will you join me?”

The woman scanned the large shop as quickly as she dared without looking desperate, and her gaze locked on the beautiful man from the train, who smiled gently at her and waved. She walked over to him, returning his smile, and thanked him for the coffee. They sat for the only moment they could allow and knew that only fate could have been at play. They wanted to see each other again and wondered if they could tempt fate a little more.

They agreed on two places to meet, at the same time later that night, and agreed that if they both made the same choice, then surely they were destined to meet, and if they were lucky, destined for more. No numbers were exchanged so they could not cheat at this game, but each other’s names would bounce around their minds for the remainder of the day.

As they left, they were reminded of how much time they had to wait until then, now impatient for the day to be done. In places like this, nights were anxiously welcomed after long days in glass buildings. There was always so very much to do, and even more desire for the potential fun that would follow. This day felt sweeter than any other to the man and the woman, and they were more prepared than ever for the jobs that they rushed off to.

Meetings were had, presentations were done, computers were sat at and at every opportunity they wondered of the other, of the choice they would make, and their hope that it would be the right one. There were so many factors to consider, about what place to meet and with the little information they knew of each other, what the other might choose. Those thoughts passed through their minds on and off, in between the demanding moments of their day. But like all things, even the day had to find its end.

The woman had left work that day and raced home, changing her clothes and buzzing with energy over her luck so far, she begged and urged it to continue. With a final breath, she grabbed her things and traveled to her chosen location.

The man had left work later than planned but was still able to straighten his tie once more and shake the hands of his superiors on his way out of the office, feeling confident in his next opportunity.

Fate has a way of directing us on the very path we are destined to take, be it cold and uncomfortable or kind and adventurous. No manner of hoping or praying or manipulation can change certain aspects of how our lives unfold. Love is often a victim of this fate.

Love was not a victim on this day, though fate most certainly enjoyed this game of love with this pair. As the man and the woman both entered the same location, at the designated time, they locked eyes in an instance, and took the first step towards each other and the rest of their lives.