After stowing my suitcase, I took out my phone to reply to my parents' messages. "Mom and Dad, I'll be home this afternoon. Don't forget to pick me up!" Then, I began searching the compartment for my seat.
Due to the late announcement of the school holidays, most tickets were already sold out when we tried to book. My parents had wanted to pick me up, but it was too far, so I convinced them not to. After waiting a while, I managed to secure a first-class ticket through the waitlist.
Following the flow of passengers, I carefully checked the numbers on the seats with my phone. I felt awkward looking at the older woman sitting comfortably in my seat. After double-checking everything, I finally spoke up. "Excuse me, ma'am, but I believe this is my seat."
My home was far from school and this train ride would take the entire journey. A first-class ticket wasn't cheap—it cost nearly half a month's living expenses.
The woman glanced at me dismissively and scoffed, "There are so many seats and you're saying this one's yours? Why don't you call it and see if it answers?"
I was momentarily speechless and caught off guard by her rude remark. It was clear she was deliberately taking my seat.