A minute after I refused to give up my seat to an elderly couple, they summoned the conductor and expressed their sincere regret.
I was aware that reserving a window seat for a 12-hour train ride during the day was a true luxury. However, I reasoned that I should at least have some comfort if I was going to travel for half the day. In order to enjoy the panorama, rest against the wall, and read or snooze in peace, I paid more for a particular window seat in a quiet vehicle.
I had a nice feeling of anticipation when I boarded and settled in—a long voyage was ahead. An old couple came up to me as I was getting situated. The woman, who was about seventy, leaned in my direction and grinned warmly:
I’m sorry, but might we move seats? Sitting by the window is something my hubby would adore. He likes to observe the scenery, but our seats are on the other side of the aisle.
I gave the man a look. He merely stared at me without saying anything.
I’m not cold-hearted. I know just how pleasant it is to sit near the window. I had paid for that seat, so I wasn’t just sitting there aimlessly. Since I didn’t want to move, I said in a courteous manner:
I apologize, but I would much rather remain seated. I reserved it especially.
The woman’s smile dimmed as she slightly lowered her gaze.
I sensed that I was being watched, like if I had done something wrong. Whispering began among the other passengers in the train. The woman phoned the conductor a few seconds later.
The woman nodded at me and said, “She wouldn’t switch seats.”
After glancing at me and the pair, the conductor replied sternly
It is necessary to reserve window seats separately. I am powerless to do anything. Instead of trying to coerce someone into transferring, you ought to have considered the fact that you didn’t pay for it sooner. The young woman is under no obligation to relocate
The conductor left when the couple didn’t say anything more. I experienced an odd mixture of annoyance and remorse. I simply didn’t give up something that was properly mine, and that was all I had done wrong. Why should that make me feel bad?
An hour later, I saw that the woman was reading and the male was examining his phone. They didn’t give me another look.
