Sunrise or Sunset?

I was traveling alone on a train, a 16-hour journey. The problem wasn’t exactly the lack of company, especially in a world with phones and laptops. “But who is going to take care of my bags when I use the restroom?” I thought.

I was on the side upper, and on the side lower, a young man arrived. He was kind enough to initiate the conversation with me and seemed friendly. Could have been a con man, but I trusted him anyways since he came with his friends. I also took their details just in case something happens, well, you know.

He gave me company whenever I took a break from my phone.

We had just finished having our train-wala chai when he asked me “Sunrise or sunset?”

I looked at him in confusion as I was lost in my own thoughts. “What??”

He then repeated his question, “Do you like sunrise or sunset?”. While asking me his question though, he didn’t look at me; he was watching the beautiful sunset outside through the big glass window on our side. I followed his gaze to see one of the most beautiful sunsets, and the light was flooding through the glass to fill our coach.

I wanted to feel the breeze, so I asked him if we can go and stand by the door. I was also tired of the AC. Standing by the train door is also one of my favorite things to do in train. Gives a good feeling in general, and I think of myself as a character in movies (quite the drama queen)

“You didn’t answer my question yet”, he said.

“Well, what do you like?” I asked. Then he came up with the most classic reply.

“Well, I asked you first. Also, ladies first!”

“Fine” I huffed, letting out an exasperated sigh. “I like.. Sunrise. I know you are going to ask me why, so I’ll answer it".

He chuckled.

“I like sunrise because, it gives birth to a new day, new opportunities, and new hope. But above all that, I love to watch the first ray of sunshine hitting the Earth’s surface, as the darkness fades. The cold night slowly warms up when the morning arrives. The little birds chirping, the rooster crowing from afar are wonderful to listen to. The refreshing smell of earth, and the morning fog are few of the many beauties that I like to observe in the early morning”.

“Mm hmm. Makes sense. By the way, that was a nice explanation” he commented.

“You tell me. What do you like? And kindly give your reason sir” I mocked.

He smiled. “I actually like sunsets more. Look at the sky, how colorful it is. Definitely more artistic than sunrises", he then looked at me like I’m a loser for liking sunrise. He went on, “It marks the end of a day; my work gets over and I can go back to my room and chill out with my friends. It is peaceful in a way since all the work is done for the day, and we can relax and loosen up"

“Not bad, that’s a good reason" I teased him. We both laughed.

This was the first time I travelled alone on a train during a 16 hours journey, and I was quite worried about it. I never thought I would be talking philosophy with a stranger on a train. “At least I’m not bored”, I thought to myself.

We talked about our lives, and things in general for some more time, while trying to balance ourselves on that fast-moving train.

By this point, the sun was very low. The orange sky was disappearing, and darkness took over the sky. Our legs were also aching, and so we returned to our seats. We had our dinner while watching movies on our own gadgets, then wished each other goodnight, and slept.

We reached the destination around 8in the morning, told each other “See you again” and we never saw each other again.

Every day, a million miracles begin at sunrise
— Eric Jerome Dickey

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