I winced as I nursed my aching wrist. It would be fine as long as I could go home.
I looked around the compartment, trying to spot her seat. But everywhere I looked, the seats were occupied. Strange. Was her seat not in this compartment?
The old lady's face twitched slightly, avoiding my gaze. The excitement of going home for the holidays had vanished entirely. Now, I just wanted to get home as quickly as possible.
After a long pause, under the pressure of the other passengers, the old lady finally muttered reluctantly, "Second class, seat 06F."
"What?" I was stunned. Second class? I was beyond speechless, silently cursing my bad luck for the millionth time.
"I bought a first-class ticket and you're offering me a second-class seat in exchange?" I stared at the old lady, her face indifferent and couldn't believe it.
The price difference between a first-class and a second-class ticket on this train was over $100. I'm not stupid. Why would I trade a seat worth $100 more for no reason?