Sometimes the heart’s true journey begins after we miss the one we thought we wanted.
Manu found herself more and more drawn to Otto. Despite the distance, the apps on her PC kept them connected. Every message, every beep from the computer, was a small explosion of anticipation. In 1990, with less technological convenience, the anxiety was even greater — each reply arrived like a rare gift.
That morning, her heart raced.
Messages:
— Good morning, my love. How are you?
— Otto, when will we meet? I can’t wait any longer. I want to touch your skin, look into your eyes, and feel your warmth.
— My angel, I have good news. We can see each other soon. I was thinking next weekend, you can come from Stone Diamond to Fracta by train. Four hours’ journey. What do you think?
— That’s perfect. We’ve been talking for two years. I need you meet you.
— Me too. The wait is over: I’ll meet you Saturday, Fracta Express 7, red sweatshirt.
— I’ll wear a light blue dress. I’ll check the schedules and let you know.
— I’ll be waiting for your message. Gotta run, kiss!
— Kiss, Otto.
Manu’s heart thumped like it might leap out of her chest. She barely logged off before grabbing her bag and sprinting through her neighborhood, taking in the crisp morning air.
Aurora Express station was only two blocks away and Manu felt like a teenager again, stumbling over her own feet with anxiety. She bought her ticket for 7 a.m. Saturday, Stone Diamond to Fracta Express 7, and walked home feeling lighter than ever.
The day flew by. Manu could barely concentrate at work, lost in thoughts of Saturday. That night, she heard the computer beep again. It was Otto.
— Hello my love! Did you manage to get the ticket?
— Yes, for 7 a.m. I can’t wait, Otto!
— Me too. It feels so unreal…
— I wish it were tomorrow already. I’ll bring my camera. I want to take lots of photos. They say the route is scenic.
— Exactly, darling. It is famous for its breathtaking landscapes.
Their conversation stretched late into the night. With each message, Manu felt the meeting getting closer, as if fate were finally delivering.
Friday arrived. Sleep had eluded Manu for anxiety kept her restless. In the morning, she decided to dedicate the day to herself. She went to the salon for a haircut and blowout, did her nails, picked out delicate accessories, browsed shop windows, trying to distract herself.
But her thoughts always returned to Otto. Every detail felt like a small ritual in preparation.
Back home in the late afternoon, Manu lay on her bed staring at the ceiling, imagining the smell of the station, the color of the sky, the touch of Otto’s hands. The notification chime of a message on the computer made Manu run to her desk.
Message:
— How was your day, Manu?
— Intense! I spent it getting ready. And yours?
— Hard work, lots of pressure, but all I think about is tomorrow.
— I’ll make myself some chamomile tea and try to rest. You too, Otto. Tomorrow’s our big day.
— I’ll try. Sleep well and enjoy your tea, Manu.
— Kisses, love you.
Manu barely slept and got up before the alarm. The sky was still dark when she got up, took a long shower, put on the light blue dress she had lovingly set aside. In the mirror, she saw both nerves and hope reflected. She packed her documents, camera, a book for the trip, and left home as the shy sun was peeking out.
At Aurora Express station, Manu watched the hurried faces, trying to guess their stories. Her hands were sweaty, and her stomach was in knots. On the train, she picked a window seat, took a deep breath, and placed her book in her lap. The first light of morning painted the tracks gold, the landscapes becoming more beautiful as the train sped forward.
During the journey, Manu alternated between anxious thoughts, silent prayers (“God, you know my heart”), and wonder at the mountains, rivers, fields passing by.
She picked up “Letters Out of Time” by Fernando Mostaro, read a few pages, then closed her eyes and pictured Otto’s smiling face.
Arriving at Fracta Express 7, Manu spotted Otto from behind, sitting on a bench at the bar, red sweatshirt as promised. She approached slowly, heart pounding. Their first glance, the hug… It was strong, sincere, but strange. It felt like both were searching for a connection that just wasn’t there.
Both walked to Bolivar Square, observing each other closely.
— You don’t have to say anything, Manu. I could see it in your eyes.
— I could see it in yours too, Otto…
The laughter came easily, but with a bittersweet edge.
— Can we be friends? — Otto asked.
— Of course!
They talked for hours, recalling old messages, searching for a reason for the emptiness. Around 2:30 p.m., Manu decided it was time to leave. Otto walked her to the station, bought her ticket: number 12, 3 p.m. departure.
Their last hug was lighter. Both understood that sometimes, the most beautiful dream is the one that changes us, even if it never becomes reality.
On the train, Manu sat alone, watching the city disappear through the window. Soon, the seat beside her was taken by a handsome young man.
At first, silence. Manu was lost in thought, but soon she noticed the man taking a camera from his backpack. He stood, looking for the best light, snapping shots of the Riviera hills. Manu couldn’t resist and she took out her own camera and captured the same scene.
— You like photography? — he asked, smiling.
— I love it, with all my heart.
— Lucky me — he said, sitting back down. — I love trips like this.
— So do I… even if life doesn’t always go as planned.
— I’m Richard, by the way!
— Nice to meet you, I’m Manu.
The conversation flowed easily. They discovered shared passions: photos, hiking, music, movies, philosophy. For the first time in days, Manu felt truly at ease, her smile genuine. As they exchanged glances, they realized there was a rare, almost magical, connection.
The train moved on, and Manu felt everything finally made sense — even the pain. When they said goodbye, they exchanged contacts. Later, the conversations grew, there were new trips, new photos, new dreams.
And as time went by, Manu and Richard were together, married, happy, photographing life side by side — learning that love, sometimes, finds us exactly when we least expect it.
The end!
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