Transformation on Ice

I had a really touching moment recently on the ICE train, while heading to Berlin. The train that day was absolutely packed. When I went to use the bathroom, a small line had already formed and the aisles were full of people so I decided to just stand and wait. Pretty quickly it became clear that one of the two toilets wasn’t just occupied for a minute. 

Ahh, I thought. Of course! Someone must be trying to dodge the ticket check. The next station isn’t far off. 

As I stood there, annoyed at this person holding up those waiting for the bathroom, my eyes landed on a woman also waiting in line. She had such an open, friendly face – I liked her instantly. Then she stepped up and knocked on the locked bathroom door, getting no response. 

Wow, she’s brave. Just confronting a fare-dodger like that, I thought.  Respect! (In my head, it was definitely a man behind the door.)

Eventually, it was my turn and I stepped into the one remaining open toilet. When I came out, the nice woman who had been behind me in line spoke to up. 

“It’s still locked,” she said, looking genuinely worried. “What if something’s wrong in there? Maybe someone needs help!”

She knocked again saying, “Is everything okay in there?”

Suddenly, it hit me like a ton of bricks. While I had been standing there silently judging someone for “freeloading” and inconveniencing everyone else, this kind woman had been looking at the situation with care and concern. 

Huh, interesting, I thought. Kristina, your thoughts just went to such a negative place! 

While I had been stewing in irritation, she was being kind and attentive to others. In that moment, I felt genuinely grateful that she’d opened my eyes to another possibility. I went back to my seat, free of any grumpiness, and enjoyed the rest of the ride.

Ultimately, I’m not sure if there was someone behind the locked door that day or not. But I am clear that this woman’s kindness spontaneously unlocked a door in me.