Every morning, I took the same train to work.

Every morning, the same seat was empty.

It was always the seat directly across from me.

One rainy Monday, an old man suddenly sat there.

He looked at me and smiled.

“You finally noticed me.”

I frowned.

“Have we met?”

He didn’t answer.

Instead, he looked toward the train window.

“Don’t get off at your usual station today.”

The train slowed down.

My station was next.

I stood up.

The old man grabbed my wrist.

“Stay here.”