I saved the world this morning.
Well, if not the world, then a Stamford train, the station and all the employees.
OK. So it's more likely that I saved a kid either lots of money replacing textbooks or the hassle of having to track down lost and found at the train station.
I boarded the train in Danbury. I got on and sat down. Across the aisle from me a younger guy got on, took off his backpack and put it on the seat along with another bag he was carrying. He was looking around, perhaps he was surprised by how empty the train was, I don't know. Everyone settled in and the hour ride to Stamford began.
People started to stand up when they announced we were approaching Stamford station. I never stand up until the train is at the station; they make those announcements too early. The kid across the row stood up, put on his backpack and started looking around again. I figured he was running late or something and was a bit agitated by it. Then, the doors opened and he walked off, leaving behind his second bag. It was a pretty bright blue University of Connecticut book bag, so it was hard to miss. I tried to get his attention as he walked through the train, but he kept walking. I picked up the bag and walked after him. I caught him on the stairs, about 30 seconds later, and tapped him on the shoulder.
"You left this on the seat." I said
He just looked at me, didn't say anything, and took the bag. Then he mumbled something and started walking away. He didn't seem happy to be reunited with his bag.
It was then that images flashed through my mind. All of the "See something, say something" posters that are plastered all over trains and train stations. It hadn't occured to me that I could be picking anything other than a bag full of books up; I was just trying to help someone out.
So there you have it. That's how I saved a kid either lots of money replacing textbooks or the hassle of having to track down lost and found at the train station.
Or perhaps I saved a train, the station and all the employees.
Nope, right there, that can be nothing else but the story of how I saved the world.
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