Titters on the Train

Reedsy Writing Prompt #442 “On the Go”

Prompt Choice - Set your entire story in a car, train, or plane.

Titters on the Train by Millicent Murray

Donna ran toward the train with her purse on her shoulder, small briefcase in one hand, and black two-inch heels in other. Her choice to wear flat heels with her business suits was one she made many years ago because she was always running for the train. Donna made it just in time before the doors closed and the train began its slow departure from the railroad station. “Whew,” she exclaimed silently, “Just made it.” The train was full, but she spotted an empty seat by a window and smiled as she settled in for the one-hour commute.

Riding the train to and from work was Donna’s favorite pastime. As a busy executive, her day began as soon as she crossed the threshold of her office. But on the train, she had time to think, daydream, and read. Donna always made sure she had a good book to read so her mind could drift to another place and time. Today was especially exciting as she cracked open the pages of a new book that she picked up at the bookstore a few days before. The book was written by an author she had never read before but had seen the movies the publication produced. The films were very funny so she was sure she would be in for a great read. 

The first titter escaped Donna’s throat within five minutes of reading. Embarrassed, she looked around to make sure no one heard her and was satisfied that the sound of the train wheels rolling along the railroad tracks drowned out her giggles. Donna composed herself, swept her blond curls around to block out the right side of her face, and continued reading. To her dismay she let out a loud snort just as the train slowed down at the first stop. Again, she peaked around, but her fellow train riders were either sleep, reading, or on their phones. Noone seemed to be paying her any attention. She relaxed and kept reading.

A few passengers got off and new riders boarded. A tall gentleman with dark hair and piercing blue eyes sat next to her. He looked very important and serious in his navy-blue suit and power tie. He did not say good morning, but instead opened his briefcase, pulled out a newspaper and began perusing the financial section. Donna thought it would be best to close her book as she was sure she would disturb the gentleman next to her. The story she was reading was funnier than the movie, and Donna knew there was a possibility that she would not be able to hold her laughter.

Donna looked up and silently prayed, “Lord, please don’t let me embarrass myself on this train.”

Taking a chance, she opened the book and immediately dove into the story forgetting those around her. In the book a man was punched in the nose by a woman. The writer wrote the character’s dialogued in a way that mimicked the effects of this. Donna’s imagination coupled with the author’s writing style sent Donna into a fit of laughter that she could not control. Collecting herself, she continued reading and once again found herself chuckling loudly. The gentleman next to Donna frowned with displeasure and snapped his paper to the next page. Donna tried to apologize and explain why she was laughing hysterically, but the words would not come out. Eventually she stopped trying to give an explanation and just closed her book.

Donna pulled out her phone and scrolled through Facebook but soon became bored. She still had thirty-five minutes of her train ride left. Feeling that she may be past the laughter, she reopened her book and picked up where she left off. A more serious conversation was taking place which made Donna relax and enjoy the story. Three pages later, Donna guffawed after reading another funny situation in the book. This time other passengers noticed and smiled then went back to whatever they were doing. The gentleman next to her; however, was not amused. “Miss,” he began authoritatively as he snapped his paper shut, “I ride this train every day and usually enjoy my quiet time, but you are making it very difficult today. I don’t know what you are laughing about, but would you please stop it. Thank you.”

Immediate anger arose in Donna, but she paused and smiled instead of lashing out at the gentleman. As an alternative to arguing she did something that was a out of character for her. She flipped back to the beginning of the second chapter and held the book out for the handsome stranger next to her. “Read this,” Donna exclaimed, “if you have a sense of humor, you will understand why I am laughing so hard.” He began to interrupt, but Donna rushed on, “If you don’t laugh, I’ll gladly close my book and continue this ride in total silence.” Her eyes stared directly into his almost pleading for him to do as she asked.

Sighing, the gentleman nearly snatched the book from her and began reading. Within two minutes his lips switched from a frown to a slight grin. Another three minutes later he chuckled then turned to Donna and smiled deeply. “Ok, you got me. This is really funny.” He held out his hand, “My name is Dave.” Donna noticed a metamorphosis take place as his eyes softened and his face relaxed. “He is quite handsome,” she noted to herself. “Hello, my name is Donna. I’m so glad you laughed. I would have felt doubly embarrassed.” He took out his phone to take a picture of the front of the book then handed it back to Donna. “Honestly,” he began, “I really needed this laughter. My morning started off pretty crappy. Sorry for my grumpiness. I’m usually not like that.”

“No worries. I understand, and I hope that your day continues to get better.” Donna put the book in her briefcase and asked, “You work in town?” Before he could answer her, Dave was mesmerized by her long blond curly tresses, hazel eyes, and sensual lips. “Yes, I’m a VP at a marketing firm on 19^th and Market Streets. You?” Donna smiled then said, “Cool. I am a director at a healthcare company on 18^th Street near Market.”

Dave stared off as if having a conversation with himself. Decision made he turned to Donna, “First, reopen that book. We have fifteen more minutes on the train and I would like to read the rest of that chapter with you. Second, are you free for lunch today? It would make my day better.”

Donna grinned as she pulled the book out of her briefcase. “I met a handsome man on the train. What are the odds?” Out loud Donna responded that she would be delighted to have lunch. They began reading the book together. The titters and giggles as they tried to suppress their laughter turned into uncontrollable outbursts that effected the other riders. The saying ‘laughter is contagious’ was proven as several passengers chuckled at the couple who was doubled over. The rest of the train ride was enjoyed amid smiles and good humor. Donna thought to herself, “Who would have thought there would be titters on the train today. I’m so glad I picked this book.”