Sliding doors - the subway chronicles

= TWO =

Outside is freezing, literally. My skin is still hurting.

As the doors of the train open and I find myself a seat, the warm air is not enough to break the cold spell of winter.

A familiar face smiles at me and I reply with a smile, and a wave. We are both not up for a chat, so we silently thank our headphones for being in place, and dive into our own businesses.

My limbs slowly regain blood flow and tact. I realize my feet are sore and somewhat cold. My face is burning, possibly still recovering from the wind chill of -35.

As my final destination approaches, I try to decide whether I can cope with another ten-minute walk or I'd better take the bus. I dread the bus, I try to reserved it for the extreme cases, and then I realize this is an extreme situation. Should I?

Doors open; I seize my chance. The bus it is.