Seatmates

The bustle of the train station caused a fever of jostling and pushing as every person wanted to be first in a seat of their choice. It was a test of how far they would go in their emphatic quest to be in front of everyone else.

Once settled in a seat with bags planted on either side to indicate she wanted to be alone, Madam Blithewhite pulled her large hat further down on her head.

The sudden odor of a disgustingly smokey cigar hit her nostrils. There was nothing to be done except sit where she was, ignoring the man sitting across from her. The scene reminded her of her husband’s rudeness with his deplorable menthol cigarettes.

She retrieved two handkerchiefs from her purse and put them up to her nose, hopefully making a point. The man chuckled and blew out a larger breath.

***