To the Stranger on the Train Who Knew What Was Happening

Dear stranger on the train,

Thank you for watching from a distance and seeing my breathing change.

Thank you for coming over and offering me water.

Thank you for not judging me when I started to cry for seemingly no reason.

Thank you for giving me the space I needed, whilst still letting me know you were there.

Thank you for reminding me it would pass.

Thank you for breathing with me.

Thank you for staying until you knew I was OK again. You sat with me, sharing in my silence. You knew you didn’t have to speak. You just sat across the aisle from me.

To those who just watched, even those who moved away — I know it’s scary; believe me, I know.

It can be difficult to know how to react in an unfamiliar situation; things we don’t understand tend to make us uncomfortable. They can even promote fear within us. So, for that reason, I don’t blame any of you for not checking on me. I don’t blame those of you who felt you had to move away. I understand; I have been you.

I only ask one thing — if you encounter this again, no matter who it is or where you are, just please don’t whisper, please don’t judge and please don’t stare.

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Unsplash photo via Alex Klopcic