He only knew her as ‘the girl’, she didn’t have a name.
He knew exactly what she looked like; height, age, figure, eyes brown, hair black, black and long and wispy. The image was there. It was his private fantasy and he never shared it. Why should he? Who would understand? She was about his age, around twenty. She had come into his life, or maybe into his mind would be more accurate, whatever, she had been there for him since he started work in the city. For more than three years she had been there, just a misty image that evaporated if he looked too close. He saw her time and time again.
He had learned not to look at her directly. If he did she would simply disappear. If he only kept her just within his peripheral vision she would stay. Whether she was walking, sitting on a park bench or staring into a shop window, wherever, by doing this he could keep her for a while before she faded away. That is why he never shared it. No one would understand.
It happened on the morning train. He sat idly staring out at the platform when he saw her. Again, that graceful walk with the head held just a little high, with her hair being tossed softly in the wind. He lowered his gaze as she approached his door. She was entering the carriage! She looked so real. She had never been this close before. She stood in front of him. He dared to look up.
She was pointing at the half space next to him. He couldn’t believe how real she seemed. He looked around to see if any of the other passengers were seeing her. None of them were taking any notice. He looked up at her again. She was still pointing. She smiled, the smile he had caught glimpses of so often.
She said “Sorry, where you saving this for someone?”
He looked at the seat and saw he was taking up too much room. Still in shock, he slowly shook his head and moved over. She sat. She was real!
With a questioning look, she said “Are you sure? You looked as though you were looking for someone.” Before he could answer, the train jolted forward and his eyes snapped open. He had fallen asleep.
As he watched the world outside pick up speed, he wondered whether he would see her today. He really hoped so.