After a long day of navigating the chaos of her office and battling traffic, Maria finally stepped onto the crowded metro, hoping to zone out on her way home. She found a spot to stand, gripping the pole with one hand, and closed her eyes, ready to let the train’s gentle rocking lull her into relaxation.
But just as she was starting to settle, a man standing next to her pulled out his phone and began speaking so loudly, it was like he wanted the entire car to know his business.
“Hey babe, it’s Mike. I’m on the train,” he boomed.
“Yeah, I know it’s 6:30, not 4:30, but the meeting went long.”
“No, seriously, I wasn’t with Jessica from HR. I was with the CEO, I swear.”
“Of course, you’re the only one for me, baby. I promise.”
The conversation went on and on, his voice cutting through the noise of the train, making everyone within earshot wince with discomfort.
Maria, her patience running thin, decided to take action. She moved closer, leaned in, and in the most exaggerated, overly affectionate voice, spoke directly into his phone:
“Mike, honey, why are you still on the phone? Come back to bed, I miss you!”
The whole train car erupted in laughter, and Mike’s face went from deep red to a shade of crimson that would make a tomato jealous. He quickly hung up and avoided eye contact with anyone for the rest of the ride.
From that day forward, Mike learned the value of quiet in public spaces.