The Magic Metro Card

The other day I wasn't feeling particularly happy. Not particularly connected to the whole wide world, if you know what I mean. In fact I felt kind of alone, grumpy and restless. And I didn't really want to do anything but hang out with someone. Which actually wasn't working out too well. 

Finally one friend did say she would totally love to meet up with me after work, go catch a movie or something. Ok. I figured I'd wait the four hours and then maybe head out to enjoy myself. At least I'd be out of the house, even if it was dark out. 

So, I'm racing out the door, trying desperately to enact "Magic," by telling myself I'm sure I'll start to lighten up when I see her. I'll get to the theater and start having a grand old time. I promise. Stop sulking. And of course, I'm literally running late. Of course, as I enter the subway the train is shrieking it's coming VERY SOON, and of course, I realize, I have no money left on my metro-card. 

AGH! I'm pressing every button on the metro-card machine, clashing metal wheel sounds are plummeting into the station full force, and it's about time I just gave up, when... this compassionately smiling older man in a bright orange jacket thrusts his card at me. 

"Here," He yells, "Take it!"

I'm all, "Oh, no, sir, I couldn't." But I totally wish I would.

"No, take it, I'm done with it! It's a 30-day, and it ends tonight! Go! Catch your train!"

It's all so urgent, but I try to take the card with as much humble thanks as I possibly can. I keep looking back to say "thank you" again as I swipe in, and I freaken book it into the last car of the train just before the doors close. 

Collapsed on this plastic seat, I'm beaming now. Taking a few frantic smiley breathes to settle down, I look down at this amazing gift of a metro-card, this is what I see:

omfg. If that's not "Magic" at work, I don't know what is. How amazingly connected to mankind do you think I felt after reading that?! I swear, all my grinning must have scared half the people in that subway car. And I really hoped that incredibly nice man could feel the force of my gratitude. 

I proceeded to have a lovely night with my amazing friend, and was even graced with a few more perfect surprises.

If we're ever chillin, and you'd like to see the card, just let me know. I plan to keep it in my wallet forever and ever.

Dedicated to: My mom, who really wanted me to tell this story. With pictures. :)