"What if you find the answers you've been searching for, not at the destination, but in the person sitting across from you on the train?" ~ Unknown
A year had passed since the Christmas party, marked by a handful of casual reunions and brief encounters that Michael had learned not to read too much into. Then, on a mild spring evening, a group chat lit up: another gathering, this time hosted by a former classmate whose family owned a sprawling house on the outskirts of the city. Everyone was invited. Michael hesitated only a moment before adding his name to the list.
The house was warm, filled with the comfortable chaos of old acquaintances trying to remember names. Michael found Asper and Rory near the buffet, the three of them falling easily into their familiar rhythm. Rory was mid‑anecdote about a disastrous date; Asper was pretending to be scandalised while reaching for another spring roll.
"So you know he went on to become a journalist," Asper said, nodding toward a cluster of classmates across the room. "Who would have thought he'd turn out to be so talented? Apparently, he's quite well known now."
"And handsome," Rory added, with a theatrical sigh. "Didn't look like that in school."
Michael smiled faintly, letting the chatter wash over him. He had never been one for gossip, but he liked watching his friends fill the space between them with easy words.
They had just settled at a table when two classmates approached: Trinity, who was studying for her CPA exam, and a young man Michael vaguely remembered from economics class.
After the usual greetings, Trinity leaned in. "Michael, belated congratulations on topping the university in accounts. I was honestly surprised when I heard. You weren't exactly known for your grades back then."
Michael's expression remained neutral. "Thank you."
"So why didn't you go for a CPA or CFA?" the other classmate asked. "With your grasp of accounts, you'd have passed easily."
"I don't enjoy math," Michael said simply. "And the entrance exams are full of it. I learn better by doing. Practical work taught me more than any textbook."
The answer was humble.
A while later, Selina arrived with Sophia and Avery. Sandy was conspicuously absent, but Selina seemed unbothered, laughing at something Sophia whispered as they made their way to the main table.
Dinner was served family‑style: dishes passed around, conversations overlapping. Someone had remembered that several classmates didn't drink, so the table held only soda and fruit juices, a quiet consideration that Michael appreciated.
He ended up seated directly across from Selina.
Their eyes met as she settled into her chair. She smiled first, a small, genuine lift of her lips. "Hi."
"Hi." He reached for the water pitcher to give his hands something to do.
The meal passed in a comfortable blur. Truth or Dare sparked a few hilarious confessions; Never Have I Ever revealed that Rory had once dyed his hair neon green in a fit of rebellion. Michael participated sparingly, but his gaze kept drifting across the table.
At some point, the conversation turned to the class trip that had never happened. Exams, then the pandemic, life had gotten in the way, and the plan had been quietly shelved.
"We could still do something," Selina said, leaning forward with enthusiasm. "Summer holidays are coming up. Why not now?"
The idea caught fire quickly. Everyone began throwing out destinations, and the rest of the evening dissolved into logistics. Michael listened, contributing only when asked, but he noticed that Selina was the one steering the conversation, writing down ideas on her phone, making sure no one felt left out.
When the party wound down, they exchanged goodbyes in the driveway. Michael saw Selina climb into a car with her friends, her hair loose now, catching the streetlight.
Months slipped by. Summer arrived, bringing heat and the kind of lazy afternoons that made Michael grateful for air conditioning. He had nearly forgotten about the trip when his phone buzzed with an Instagram notification.
He opened it, surprised to see Selina's name.
[Selina: Hi. I've planned the trip. Half the class has confirmed. Will you come?]
He stared at the screen for a moment. They followed each other, liked each other's posts now and then, but direct messages were rare.
[Michael: I'd like to. Can you send me the itinerary? I need to check my work schedule.]
[Selina: Sure. Four days, five nights, all by train. We're going to the biggest amusement park in the country, plus a snow park. Everyone pays their own way.]
[Michael: That sounds good. I'll come. Let me know if you need help with anything.]
[Selina: Great! I'll send the details. Bye.]
[Michael: Bye.]
He set the phone down and felt something lighten in his chest.
He called Asper first. She was already booked for a family trip, her voice apologetic. Rory was more enthusiastic. "Yeah, man, I'll probably come!" Which Michael had learned to interpret as "maybe, depending on what else comes up."
A month later, Michael stood on the platform of the central station, a duffel bag at his feet and a small backpack slung over one shoulder. The train was already idling at the platform, its windows reflecting the early morning sun.
One by one, classmates trickled in. Some he recognised; others he had to reintroduce himself to. Selina was at the front of the group, clipboard in hand, checking names. She wore a simple white sundress, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, and she moved through the crowd with an easy authority that made the chaos feel organised.
Rory didn't come. A text came just a day before: Sorry, man, family thing. Catch you next time.
Michael pocketed his phone and stepped onto the train, the familiar scent of leather and steel filling his nostrils.
The train lurched forward. The city began to slide past, buildings giving way to trees, the morning light turning the landscape gold.
Michael leaned his head against the window and let the rhythm of the tracks carry him forward. He didn't know what the next few days would bring. But for the first time in a long while, he was looking forward to something.