December 10, 2022:
Twelve ish, braces, baby fat. Boards with her mother at the stadium station, part of a large and boisterous crowd. Polite: "Is this seat taken?" Not at all, and I'm happy to have a considerate neighbor.
"Is the game over?"
"Yes, and we lost."
"Bummer. Was it fun anyway?"
Brightening: nods happily.
Looks at my book, and my highlighter pen in hand. Asks, "What are you studying?"
"A school of ancient philosophers, 2500 years ago, who began the way we all now think about science and knowledge."
She nods, noncommittal. She's thinking, That's all very interesting, but how is it practical? And, Why is this white-haired guy reading something so technical?
As the train thins out she moves to sit with her mother. She's tired, rests her head on her mother's shoulder.
I'm smiling. I like them both. It's been nice sharing the ride.