I wonder how many friendships cast off while in the confines of public transport. You certainly get cozy with people.

A woman’s lace-lined blouse rhythmically brushed against his shoulder in time to the passing rail ties. She seemed nice. Probably someone who’s second-greatest joy in life was cooking a good meal for others, second only to her darling husband, of course, “did you see these earrings he bought me?”

That man there. Old enough to justify asking for a seat yet too young for his pride to let him. His left knee would hurt either way. May as well keep his dignity unscathed.

The next song on his playlist rolled, drowning out the noise of no one speaking to one another.

He shared a brief moment with another passenger next to him. A glancing of eyes, the merest shade of a grin, both absolutely thinking the same thing.

We’re alone in a sardine can.