The violet carriage had curved windows, warm wooden seats, and room for one more passenger. A child sat alone beside a tower of carefully packed sandwiches.

“I’m Noor,” she said, sliding into the opposite seat. She placed her red backpack between them like a bright little bridge. The child offered Noor a star-shaped sandwich, and Noor shared her apple slices.

Outside, rainbow reflections danced across the floor while clouds changed into shapes neither child could name. Soon they were pointing, guessing, and laughing together. By the next station, the empty seat no longer felt empty at all.