Subway Surprises 

It was a rainy day. Cold and windy in Park Slope Brooklyn New York. The rain subsided prior to leaving my flat on 23rd St. This was most welcomed because I had no inclination to be burdened with an umbrella for the entire evening. My outfit was a black wool gabardine blazer, slacks, with a black semi mesh button up and silver 60mm 2013 ysl boots. I paid a total of 0 dollars for this fit. Retail would be close to 5-6 Grand. What can I say? I have my ways.

I left my apartment and headed towards the R train to make my way to David Geffen Hall. As I was waiting for the train to arrive, I noticed this girl who I would soon discover was named Sandra. Sandra, from Colombia to be most specific. We got on the subway as she was making her way to 34th Street, and I was headed to Columbus Circle. You remember the scene in Taxi Driver where Bickle arrives with a newfound mohawk cut, planning to assassinate Palantine. The large rally scene was held at Columbus Circle. Yes, that Columbus Circle! I got off the R Train at Jay St Metro and walked up some stairs to transfer to the A train. 

I couldn’t help but notice this girl walking by me to stand and wait for the same train. Strange I thought the chances are not ever so slim but are less common than one would think. So, I put up my palm and waved. I delivered a mischievous smile, radiating playfulness. She laughed conservatively, coyly, to only then re-engage with her phone. Ever so brief of an interaction, but warmth was founded as I continued listening to SS Golden Mean by Wallace Roney JR. An exquisite Jazz composition. Hypnotic in its repeatedness that creates fluidity, familiarity, and a fondness in tone, action and execution. 

The Subway is now arriving. It slows, it’s coming to a stop now. The nearest entrance for us is closest to me. She turns my direction and makes her way to the closest subway door. Waiting for the exiting passengers to make their way. I enter swiftly without hesitation and move right. An Opening! And not just an opening a spot on the L Shape seating, a superior spot that the MTA is phasing out, slowly. Facing forward with the train as in the direction the Train is moving. With plentiful options she decided to sit adjacent to me on the other aisle L Seat.. 

Was she following me? Unlikely, yet a possibility. 

3 Stops Later at Chambers street a swath of humanoids enters, instantly making the Subway cramped. Luckily this affected me only ever so slightly. Like I said superior seating. Across from me diagonally, sat a Japanese boy with his mother. He was exhausted, conserving all energy and simply overtaken by boredism. As any good samaritan, I proceeded to make some silly faces to light up his evening. It took effort on my end to make him notice, but once he caught my eye he ever so slightly moved forward in mimicking me. Oh this was a rush only furthered by his mother not noticing which inturn heightened his excitement! As who doesn't love fun, a secret and serendipity?! 

I looked up, left, Puffed up my cheeks, sat straight and filled my chest with air. The young boy joyously followed suit. The mother had now caught on! We were caught! The mother now noticed, laughed and out of enjoyment waived at her husband who now too joined in on the Fun! The family got off 2 stops later. Both thanking me for creating fun in a relatively stressful, anxiety inducing space into one of joy and adventure. In appreciation, they gave a slight bow, with a hand gesture- they have now excited. 

“Stand clear of the closing door Ding Dong!”  We were now onto the next stop as I couldn’t help to notice this gal kept gazing at my tattoos. This occurred multiple times as finally I caught her eye and simply said:
“Who Are You?”

She replied “pardon?” as she did not clearly hear what I just asked. I proceeded to take out my headphones, she followed my lead and did the same; Once again I asked: “Who Are You?”

She smiled a slight blush, said her name but I couldn’t quite make out what she said. Enthusiastically I briskly waved her over! Spiritedly she agreed to this serendipitous moment! 

Quickly she gathered her belongings, a backpack, a purse, her jacket and quickly shuffled on over. Quickly I scooted, she sat. 

After learning each other's names she asked “so why are you dressed so elegantly? Why are you so fancy, are you going to a show? 

Me “actually, Yes!” “I will be attending a concert at david geffen hall for some Beethoven.” 

She proceeded to ask me a keen question that she was quite literally eyeing: “What is this meaning of the tv suit tattoo?” Then proceed to read the text “We want the World; and We Want it Now”.

Prior to answering the question I interjected and siad  ”what stop is yours?!” knowing if we talk too long there will be no opportunity to continue this conversation.

She said “34th!” we just hit 14th on the express! We had approximately 90 seconds to exchange information. A magical rapport, I said “Take my number!” She began to give me her number while looking at my phone, but I insisted, 'No, take my number!” hastily with a sense of urgency she took out her phone as we proceeded to exchange information. 

She later said in her 4th text "It was Epic, The magic of living in Ny!”

I couldn’t have agreed more… 

As 
We are just wondering wizards creating magical moments in a sea of serendipity.

With love,
-Affection

NYC Oct 7th 2023