What a coincidence, muttered Emily, glancing up from her book as her husband, Thomas, stepped into their train compartment with another woman.
Tom, have you seen my blue scarf? The one you gave me last Christmas? She rummaged through her suitcase, pretending to be absorbed in the search.
Check the top shelf, behind the shoeboxes, Thomas called from the corridor. You put it there after your last business trip.
Emily paused. There was something odd in his tone. After fifteen years of marriage, they had learned to detect the slightest shift in each others voicesbut also mastered the art of pretending not to notice.
Found it! she exclaimed a moment later. Youre right, behind the boxes. Youve always had an amazing memory for these things.
Occupational habit, Thomas smiled, stepping inside with two cups of tea. A lorry driver needs to remember every route, every turn, every stop
*And every excuse*, Emily thought, but instead said:
Guess what? Ive been sent to Manchester last-minute. Right before Christmas! The boss insists I go in personclaims the annual report needs signing before the holidays.
She busied herself with folding clothes, avoiding his eyes. There was no report. There was James, a regional manager from Birmingham shed met at a company event three years ago. Since then, theyd arranged occasional meetings under the guise of work trips.
What a coincidence, Thomas said, sitting beside her. Ive got a haul to Liverpool. Urgent deliveryclient needs it by the 29th.
Emily suppressed a smile. She knew there was no urgent delivery. There was a missed call on his phone months ago, messages from a woman named Sophie, a dispatcher from Liverpool. Photos shed glimpsed before slipping the phone back into place.
How long will you be gone? Thomas asked casually.
Back by the 29th, she replied. Need to prep for the holidays. You?
Same. Should wrap up by then.
They exchanged knowing smiles. She had a hotel booked in Manchester until the 30th; he planned to spend those days with Sophie in her cottage.
That evening, they sipped tea in the kitchen, discussing New Years plans with practised easeyears of marriage had perfected the illusion of harmony.
Shall we invite your parents? Emily asked.
Theyre visiting my sister in Brighton, Thomas said. Yours?
My brothers just had a baby. Theyre all off to Newcastle.
Relief settled over themno need for more lies.
—
The compartment was warm and cosy. Emily settled by the window, unfolding her book as the train prepared to depart. Outside, passengers hurried past, announcements crackling over the tannoy.
Excuse me, is this your bag? A womans voice carried from the corridor. It was left near the carriage entrance.
No, mines here, replied a mana voice Emily faintly recognised. Let me help you find your seat.
Her breath hitched. That voice It couldnt be. She looked up just as the door slid open.
Thomas stood there. Beside him, a striking woman in a camel coatSophie, unmistakably, even more radiant in person: tall, auburn-haired, green-eyed.
Silence stretched between them, thick and suffocating.
Fancy meeting you here, Emily said, voice steady despite her racing heart. I thought you were driving to Liverpool.
Iuh Thomas faltered, glancing between her and Sophie. Route changed last minute.
In a passenger train? Not your lorry? Emilys smile didnt reach her eyes.
Just then, a tall man in a navy overcoat peered in. Sorry Im late, love. Got held up at the office.
Thomas stiffened. He knew exactly who this was.
James, the man introduced himself, eyeing the group. And you are?
My husband, Thomas, Emily said coolly. And his colleague?
Sophie, the woman murmured.
A conductor appeared. Tickets, please. Theres been a mix-up with seating.
All four handed over their tickets. The conductor frowned. Strangeyoure all booked for the same seats. Must be a system error before the holidays. Ill have to reseat you.
Dont bother, Emily said firmly. Well stay. Weve got plenty to discuss. She looked at Thomas. His expression flickeredalmost relief.
Might as well, he agreed. Since fates shoved us all together.
James and Sophie exchanged uneasy glances but didnt object.
The conductor left. The train pulled away.
Four people, tangled in lies, sat in silence.
—
How long? Emily finally asked Sophie.
Three years. Sophie twisted a pendant around her neck. We met when his lorry broke down near Liverpool.
And you? Thomas asked James.
Two years. Corporate event in Manchester.
Emily exhaled. So we both started this around the same time.
Why? James frowned. You two seem fine.
Fine, Thomas echoed. Exactly. Fine like clockwork. Up, work, dinner, sleep. Year after year.
I missed the excitement, Emily admitted. We used to talk for hours. Then it was just bills and weekend plans.
And I missed being *asked*, Thomas said. You never wondered how my day was.
Because I knew, Emily cut in. I saw Sophies texts on your phone months ago.
And I found hotel receipts in your bag, he shot back. Photos with James.
You *knew*? Sophie blinked.
What was I supposed to say? Emily laughed humourlessly. Darling, I know youre cheating, but so am I?
Easier to pretend, Thomas muttered.
The train slowed. Manchesters lights glowed beyond the window.
James stood. Ill go. Emily I think its best we dont meet again.
Sophie nodded. Thomas, Im sorry. We all need to stop before this goes further.
On the platform, Thomas and Emily watched them disappear into the crowd.
Home? he asked quietly.
What about your Liverpool delivery?
There isnt one. Just like your annual report.
I know. She took his hand. Theres a house for sale in the Cotswolds. Two floors, garden. Room for a dog.
Big one?
Huge. And a garage for your lorry.
They bought tickets back to London. Talkedproperly, for the first time in years. About their mistakes. Their fear of losing what they still had. How much theyd missed each other.
Six months later, they bought the house. Adopted a German shepherd. Made time. She met him after hauls with homemade meals; he asked about her day.
They realised, after fifteen years, they were more than spousesthey were family. People who could forgive, understand, and start again. That mattered more than fleeting affairs.
And that strange, seemingly pointless meeting on the train? It became their storyone theyd recount on their porch, remembering how chance helped them rediscover what theyd always had. They just needed to learn to cherish it.
