Mila, switching to English, asked if Adam spoke the language. He confirmed, but expressed a preference for German. She settled in the seat across from Adam, and he immediately returned his attention to his laptop, though he was no longer searching for cameras. The young woman, whom Adam guessed was a tourist, seemed very nervous about something, so he decided to do a little sleuthing. “May I help you?” Adam asked after a few moments.

Mila hesitated, her face betraying her thoughts, which seemed to be a combination of suspicion and desperation. Finally, she said, "I lost my passport. I've already missed two connections and I'm really lost. Can you help me get to Frankfurt?"

"I'm not headed there, but I can point you in the right direction," Adam offered, his voice gentle and reassuring.

Mila's face fell as her expression grew more frantic. "Please. I'm really, really lost. I don't speak any other languages, and my phone doesn't work. Please. I'll do anything."

Adam, a kindhearted and helpful person by nature, knew that his next words would likely determine Mila's fate. “It’s fine, I have some time,” he said closing his laptop. “Let’s talk, I haven’t met anyone from the states in a long time.” “Ok. What are you doing here?” “I live here.” “For how long?” “About a year.” “And do you like it here?” Adam pondered for a moment. “Yeah, I guess I do.” I’ve been living here for awhile and I think I have a good grasp of Munich.” Mila jumped with joy. “Do you live in Munich.” “Yup I have my own place here.” “Cool, Im staying at the Vi Vadi, with my best friend. She’s American too.” “Cool what are you doing here?” “I have family here and I’m visiting them here.” “Cool.” There was a moment of awkwardness the two shared as the conversation lost its momentum. Mila then glances at Adam’s bag and spots a camera. “Is that a Canon 80D.” “Yeah.” “I have the same one.” Mila reaches into her bag and pulls out her camera. Adam leans over and looks at it. She points out the difference in the lenses. Adam agrees that hers is better. “Are you a photographer?” Adam asks. Mila nods enthusiastically. “No, it’s a hobby. What about you? Do you have a job here or what do you do during the day?" Adam's gaze drifted away from Mila's, his jaw clenching at the question. "I don't have a job," he answered. “I’m student at the University of Munich. I study philosophy and sociology. My family is paying for school, so I don't have to work while I'm studying." Adam paused for a moment, debating whether to continue, before adding, "I would like to work in museums and teach at colleges and uni’s in the future." "That sounds cool," Mila said. "It is," Adam replied with a faint smile. The train procedes to slow down as it comes to the station.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

"I hope we can talk again sometime," Mila said, her voice quiet.

"I'm sure we will," Adam replied.

Mila left the train, but the encounter stuck with Adam. It wasn't uncommon for him to strike up conversations with people he met, and he did enjoy meeting new people. But this was different. He felt a strange connection to Mila, and hoped to meet her again.