My train had already arrived but I wanted to remain on the platform and talk to James for as long as I could.

It was getting close to departure time but I wasn’t worried. I was waiting for the announcement. You know the one: “Good evening, passengers. The next train to depart from Platform X is the ##:## to Destination, stopping all stations to Destination. Train now departing. Stand clear please. Stand clear.” followed by, “Beep beep beep beep,” as the doors slide shut.

Well, that night, the routine skipped straight to the doors shutting. When, out of nowhere, I heard, “Beep beep beep beep,” all I could do was look up in mild surprise.

“Joan, that’s you.” James gave me a firm urgent push towards the train.

I leapt forward and grabbed the doorknob. Made unwieldy by two bags, I nonetheless yanked the doors apart with all my strength. The door panels fought and fought but then reluctantly parted. I fell into the carriage and stumbled on young man who had recklessly decided to loiter in the doorway.

“Sorry!”

I turned back to wave goodbye to James but he was already walking away.