‘I Noticed That the Woman in the Orange Shirt Was Losing Her Balance'

Lifeline #

I was headed downtown for a meeting when I caught the No. 2 train at 96th Street. As the train pulled into 42nd Street, a middle-aged woman entered the car with confidence. She seemed dressed for a corporate meeting, wearing an orange shirt, a long beige skirt, and white stilettos. Our paths crossed briefly as she searched for a seat, but she moved on. Just as she passed me, the train made a sudden jerk and started to accelerate.