Every morning I take the train to work. Today was just like any other.
I slipped my ticket through the machines, take my ticket out and walk toward the escalators to the tracks. As I’m walking I get a whiff of a sweet smell, like fresh baked vanilla pound cake. As I gathered my senses, I saw a beautiful woman walking past me. She cross my path and I had to stop to avoid running into her. She went to the corner shop to by a drink. I had to keep walking to avoid drooling at her.
She had blond dyed hair, perfectly applied make-up and body that would make any man’s neck spin 360. She had an allure, like a model but not tacky like she was copied from the pages of the latest fashion magazine. I’ve seen enough of the copies, all wearing the ‘IT’ clothes and accessories. This summer, I’ve seen women wearing HUGE sunglasses, you would have seen Audrey Hepburn wear in the movie, Roman Holiday”, but she no. Nothing like it. She had confidence pouring out, and couldn’t be bothered to even glimpse sideways to avoid me.
I got the escalator, but kept looking back wondering where she would stand on the train platform. I was mesmerized, if I didn’t have work, I would have followed her like a dog trailing her sweet scent.
I went and stood at my usual spot. She came seconds later and stood in front of the next doors. (Japanese train stations have markers where you can stand so you will be in front of the doors when the train arrives). We would be in the same compartment and if lucky she could be sitting next to me when the train rolled in.
But I wasn’t. Train came in, doors opened and she went to one side to an empty seat, I went the other side to an empty seat. I kept peaking at her but she was in her own world. As soon as she sat down, she got out her ipod and plugged it in her ears and dozed off. (You see a lot of people sleeping on trains here, including myself)
Somewhere in between the train ride, the train became full and I couldn’t see her anymore. I fell asleep till my stop came (I get off in the last stop, so no worries of missing my stop) and dreamt that I was in a swanky restaurant, dressed to impress and having the time of my life with her. I woke up and she wasn’t there. Just my luck…
I know I sound pathetic and shallow to be swayed by the scent of woman but she is beautiful. Knowing how people in japan are punctual and precise with time, I think I might see her again.