today was a long day…

an, “everything is urgent!” kinda day

with arms and hands full, lola saw an empty seat on the subway

she laughs to herself and breathes deeply, relaxing into the seat

her eyes close and she whispers to herself “thank you”

as lola’s eyes open, she’s taken aback by the most

beautiful woman seated across from her

they both smile

speaking thru her smile, the woman asks “long day?”

“yes” whispers lola

“i know the feeling…” the woman mumbles,

“today’s the last of my long days…” she exclaims

a huge smile flashes over the woman’s face as she professes...

“i retire today!”

“you’re far too young to be retired!”

lola squeals loudly in disbelief...

the other passengers grown, laugh, and mumble to themselves

the beautiful woman motions towards the open seat next to lola

 

and for the next 30 minutes, or 6 train stops in new yorker,

they sit side by side sharing stories stories of long hours, meetings,

business trips, and holiday parties stories of triumph and regret

as lola ‘s stop approaches, the woman places her hand on lola‘s and says slowly

“take the vacations…”

they lock eyes for just a moment lola smiles,

stepping towards the trains doors bags still filling her hands and arms,

but somehow lighter as the doors open

lola spins around quickly smiling brightly,

she asks “where should i go first?”

“pacasmayo!” the beautiful woman exclaims

lola backs out of the doors they close and a final smile is exchanged between kindred spirits

 

as lola exits the station,

and the cold winter air embraces her

she thinks of the beautiful woman sitting across the train car

the woman who lived a parallel life

lola enters her home,

placing her bags on the counter her kitchen smells of white roses as she enters her bathroom,

lola lights a candle...

eucalyptus fills the air

her silk chemise hanging on antique hook behind the door

she thinks of donna and josephine

maybe a getaway is exactly what they need

can’t let that beautiful woman down right?

she starts a group text and sends a single word

"pacasmayo"

a moment passes and the phone rings...

and group call from her two favorite people…