Waiting on the Platform
The golden retriever sat on the concrete platform, his tail flicking against the ground as commuters hurried past.
He kept his paws tucked neatly beneath his chest, his golden coat standing out against the grey stone.
Train doors slid open and closed, releasing waves of people carrying rolling suitcases that clicked over the platform seams.
The dog did not move from his spot near the wooden bench, keeping his eyes fixed on the arriving train cars.
He watched the passengers step off the steps, his ears perking up at every sudden movement.
An Unexpected Friend
An older man pushing a metal beverage cart stopped in front of the dog.
He wore a brown apron and had a warm smile.
He reached out a hand, letting the dog sniff his fingers before giving him a quick scratch under the chin.
The dog wagged his tail once, acknowledging the gesture, before turning his gaze back to the train tracks.
The vendor patted the dog’s side one last time and rolled his cart away.
The dog’s eyes followed the wheels of the cart for a second before returning to his vigil.
Through the Storm
Grey clouds rolled in, and heavy rain began to splatter against the train station roof, creating a steady hum.
Commuters popped open black umbrellas and huddled close to the station walls to escape the damp wind.
Water dripped from the edge of the awning, splashing near the dog’s paws.
The golden retriever remained sitting at the edge of the shelter.
His fur grew damp in the mist, but he kept his posture straight, watching the passenger walkways.
Several trains arrived and departed, leaving the platform empty for short stretches before the next crowd appeared.
The Reunion
A young woman wearing a blue button-down shirt and jeans stepped off the newly arrived train.
The dog instantly sprang to his feet, his tail whipping back and forth in wide, rapid arcs.
He let out a soft whine and leaped forward, pressing his front paws against her waist.
The woman dropped her brown leather bag onto the ground and wrapped her arms tightly around the dog’s neck.
She knelt on the wet concrete, burying her face in his damp golden fur while the dog licked her cheeks.
A couple of bystanders paused, watching the pair embrace on the damp platform.
They moved to the wooden bench, where the woman sat down and pulled out her mobile phone.
She pointed to the screen, showing the dog a photo of himself as a tiny puppy sitting in the same upright posture.
The dog rested his heavy chin on her knee, looking up at her face as she smiled and wiped a tear from her eye.
The dog nudged her hand with his wet nose, prompting her to scratch behind his ears.
She clipped a blue leash onto his harness and stood up, picking up her shoulder bag.
They walked side by side out of the station doors, moving toward the bright orange glow of the sunset.
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