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Subway Story: Chris

Subway Short Stories: Fictional stories written with characters inspired by riding on the New York City subway.

There she sits, on the subway, reading her book, Love the One You’re With. From prior experience, I know that it’s not a self-help book but rather a fictional novel. Why would they do that?  And why is she reading it? Is she in an unfulfilling relationship, trying to fill a void her boyfriend leaves? Is she so lonely that she takes solace in fictional romance. Maybe she’s a book critic and she’s reading it for her next high-profile review and she’s going to condemn it for setting up unrealistic expectations in the minds of females thereby screwing us guys. Maybe, but that’s not the point.

She sits, on the subway, oblivious to the world around her, lost in her book and her iPod. I wonder what’s she listening to. If I only I knew, I would know so much more about her. Is it a love song; is she already in love with someone? Is it a song about heartbreak; was she recently deserted by some lucky but foolish man? Perhaps it’s a rap song and she too has 99 problems, a bitch not being one of them, and she’s confused as to whether that means it’s not a problem because she has someone that she likes, or is single and has no one. Perhaps, but I digress.

She sits, on the subway, enraptured in her book, her iPod and her tattered jacket, sweat pants and hideous Ugg boots. Was she intentionally going for that look? Has she let herself go because she’s in a long term relationship and no longer has to try? Has she sworn off men for all the pain they’ve caused her and chosen asexuality by choice but not really? It’s possible it’s her style and she’s seeking to attract a fellow frayed fella. I could fray my hair. But that’s another story.

She sits, on the subway.