Where We First Met

At the train station where they first met, Ryan surprises Janet. Winner!

Ryan rehearsed the words over and over as he walked through the park, the crunch of fallen leaves muffling his nervous steps. In his jacket pocket sat a small velvet box that seemed to burn against his side with its secret. Tonight, everything had to be perfect.

He’d told Janet to meet him at the old train station, the one where they first crossed paths three years ago. Back then, she had been fumbling with her suitcase, and he, in his usual awkward way, had offered help. They ended up missing their trains that day, but gaining each other.

Now, Ryan stood beneath the station clock, palms sweating. The evening air was crisp, carrying the scent of autumn. As the train pulled in with its familiar whistle, Janet stepped onto the platform, her smile bright enough to banish all his nerves. His heart raced, this was the moment.

“Why here?” she asked, tilting her head, strands of hair brushing her cheek.

Ryan swallowed hard and took her hand. “Because this is where my life changed. Where I realized I didn’t just want someone to share coffee with, or late-night walks with, I wanted you. Always.”

He dropped to one knee and pulled out the box. The gold ring inside caught the dim light, shimmering like the promise in his chest. His voice cracked with emotion.

“Janet,” he whispered, “will you marry me?”

Her hands flew to her mouth, eyes glistening. Then she laughed, a sound brighter than the train’s whistle. “Yes, Ryan. A thousand times yes.”

The leaves swirled around them as the train rolled away, but neither noticed. In that moment, the world was theirs.

Word Count: 276
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: train, box, leaves
Written for: "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"