To the Girl on the F Train in 1996

You had a face that could make a young man dream, and I was just a young man. The minute I got close to you an irresistible urge began rising inside of me. My lungs tightened and my breath grew short. I could think of nothing to say.

We were face to face on the way to work. And to the future. Were you as kind as you looked? Did you notice me too? What could have been?

The train was so packed that our feet barely touched the ground. My arms were pinned to my side by strangers. Hundreds of strangers, and all I remember is you.

The urge kept rising. My chest felt ready to explode. And explode it did. With a big, phlegmy cough right in your face. I couldn't even get my hands up to cover my mouth.

I had bronchitis that day. And I am sorry.

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