A Train (Love) Story

By: Gabriela Yareliz

I saw the most precious duo on the train (I know— that is a rare statement). Usually, the trains feel like they emerge from hell (D train, I am looking at you)— but here we are. A different morning. Maybe, I was looking for something different, and that helped me find it. The mornings where I am able to start with Pilates are usually magical.

There was a Hispanic father in a button down rust colored thermal and his tiny daughter, in a pink coat with her blonde curly hair poking out of her pink beanie and her tiny pink glasses framing her tiny face.

She was the most energetic in our train car, sitting backwards, facing the subway windows. He whipped out some chapstick and told her that her lips were red. She resisted, but then, grabbed the chapstick and put it on. She wanted to do it. They both made popping sounds, each spreading the chapstick on their own lips. He showed her how, and she dutifully imitated, popping her little lips and smooshing them together. She concluded with a smile.

She asked if they would have spaghetti or pasta, and when he told her spaghetti is pasta, she laughed as if it was the funniest thing she had ever heard.

She then did something that warmed my heart. She leaned in and started buttoning the top button on her dad’s thermal shirt. She wanted him to be warm.

It was time for me to switch trains. I told him that his daughter was the cutest and crossed the platform. I am convinced I witnessed one of the greatest love stories I have come across.

Every gesture toward his daughter was one of protection and care. Down to the chapstick. He was so attentive and down to giggle with her about meatballs and pasta. He was an example; nothing about him was performative. And that little girl radiated a golden energy like her blonde ringlets.

People, including children, radiate the energy that reflects their character. With discernment, you see a lot of a child’s character even while very young— and this little one was pure joy and goodness.

These moments and interactions that seem ordinary— the affection we show our children, spouses and family— it all sends a message to the outside world.

Deep love whispers, “Look, look at the beauty of being loved. Share this love, too.”