(lygenztia *231) A momentary lapse in reading….

Was reading a book on the train a little while ago and an older gentleman sitting beside me was trying in the worst way to start a conversation. I was polite enough, but made it obvious I was really enjoying my book, without being rude. He persisted, so I relented and listened to him talk, pretending to be interested.


He started talking about the “Ex” (CNE) and how he couldn’t wait to go this year. Seemed odd to me, as he wasn’t exactly what you would call a youngster. He talked about the good times he had there years ago, with a glint in his eye. He complained about the food building. “ya know….it sure as hell ain’t what it used to be…”. I nodded as if I understood, but really didn’t.

Then he started to tell me about how he was really looking forward to taking his grand-daughters to the Ex this year. He smiled and told me all the stuff they were going to do…but he had an odd, serene look as he told me about the “plans”.

The train was coming to his stop and he got up for the door. Still talking about the Ex, he mentioned casually “ya, this will probably be my last one”.

I said “Oh really? Grand-daughters growing up and getting too cool to go with Grandpa?”

Then he said words I will never forget…..”no son…… I’m dying”. With that, the doors opened, he looked at me and said “good night” and then got off the train.

Haven’t seen him since…but do I hope he had the time of his life this year at the Ex.