Title:  The Traveling Soulmate 

by Mary McLoughlin 

A Stranger sat across from her at the table on the train, claiming to be her soulmate, Judy said “Nice chat up line not heard that one before”.  

He replied “I know it seems strange but it is true my name is Drew and for the past six weeks I have had the same recurring dream, and it is of you, I see you on this train sitting at the table with your magazine opened on your way to Cornwall for the Yoga retreat weekend, which  I am also going on, and I approach you, like I have just done and tell you.”   

Well Judy replied “How did you know I am going on a yoga retreat who told you as one of my friends set me up?” No, he replied; ” I  know it seems far-fetched but I just could not believe it when I got on the train and saw you sitting on the only seat in this carriage with a table for the long five and a half hour journey, and you have got the” hello” magazine which I saw exactly in my dream and so I told you what I said to you in my dream, and I am honestly being genuine please believe me.”  

Well, I suppose as we are going the same place, we can share our journey although I don't believe you about the soulmate stuff she replied. The refreshment trolly then came round Drew said “Can I get you anything?” 

A coffee would be fine thank you.” Drew then asked her how long she had been practicing Yoga; she told him for the past three years and every year she went for the retreat weekend to unwind from her job, she told him she worked as a social worker with vulnerable young people in London where she shared a flat with her best mate Rosie. She then asked him what his job was, he told her he was a Civil Servant working for the government. “Are you a Spy?” Asked Judy. No replied Drew everybody asks that I am not allowed to talk of my job though it is a condition of my employment. “Do you practice Yoga then as you are going on the retreat, "said Judy. 

Yes, said Drew I go two times a week after work and this is the first time I have booked on a retreat “What is it like?”  

“It is really good” said Judy “the instructor Karen is very experienced in mindfulness as well as yoga and she does meditation, relaxation and sound bath therapy, it really helps you to unwind.” 

“I am looking forward to it I wonder if she knows anything about contacting with your soulmate or dream therapy since I have been having the same dream about meeting you for the past six weeks,” said Drew. 

  “I am sure you will ask her I don't know how you knew I was going to a Yoga retreat and it is a coincidence that you are going to, excuse me a minute I need to go to the toilet,” said Judy.  

She made her way along the corridor of the train to the toilet and thought, He is quite good looking with jet black hair and big brown eyes, he has a nice smile and is about six foot tall casually dressed but still looking smart, a bit different then her scruffy ex-boyfriend with his long hair and tatty jeans. When she went in the toilet, she got out her mobile phone and rang Rosie, she asked her if she had set this up or if anyone else had. Rosie was amazed “No honestly, I have not, he sounds amazing make the most of this Judy, although it sounds unbelievable”. They said goodbye then Judy made her way back to her seat.  

The refreshment trolly came round again this time Judy asked if he wanted a coffee, he said he would love one, she also purchased two sandwiches and asked if tuna was okay for him, they ate their lunch in silence then talked about their favourite music they both had the same taste in soul music and discovered they had both been at Glastonbury when Lionel Ritchie had headlined, and they agreed it was one of the best concerts they had seen. 

The conversation then turned to their political preferences, again they had similar beliefs and also concern for what was happening with the environment and climate change, both Judy and Drew thought it is a long time since I have been able to discuss my belief's without being drawn into defending them to others. 

Drew then asked Judy if they could share a taxi when they got off the train at Truro, to the venue for the retreat. Judy told him there was no need it is only a five-minute walk away but we can walk their together if you like.  They continued chatting and they both realised that they had really enjoyed each other’s company and the journey had seemed to have gone by so quickly. 

RING, RING, RING the alarm on Judy’s mobile phone woke her up with a start, she sat up in bed it was seven o clock she was catching the ten- o-clock train today going to Truro, for her Yoga retreat weekend.  She thought back to the dream she had just had it felt like it was really happening and the stranger named Drew felt very real, and she had enjoyed meeting with him even though it was only in a dream. 

After having her breakfast and showering she got her small luggage case she had packed last night and strapped her yoga mat to it, and then phoned for a taxi to take her to the station, she arrived at Paddington station fifteen minutes before the train was due to leave, she had already purchased her tickets so she went and bought a magazine and  as the train was stationary on platform three, she asked the guard if she could board it and was told she could. 

Judy found a seat with a table so she could rest her magazine and her cup of coffee when she bought it, and thought this is just what it was like in my dream. 

Just before the train departed a tall man with black hair and brown eyes with a lovely smile who was casually dressed sat opposite her at the table and said “I am your soulmate” Judy replied “yes, I know you are Drew.” 

 The end