I glanced up at the station’s digital board, scanning for the train to Siegburg. Nothing. The route I expected wasn’t listed. Not being deeply familiar with the transit patterns in the region, I decided to ask someone nearby me.

Approaching a group of four standing on the platform, I greeted one of them with a hello. But her reply caught me off guard: “We don’t have money to give you.”

Confused, I smiled slightly and clarified: “May I ask you a question?” She nodded. “Is this the Main Station Bonn?” “Yes,” she answered. I continued, “I’m trying to get to Siegburg, but I can’t see a train on the screen. How do I find the right one?” She softened and explained, “There was a train just now that left, so it’s not showing at the moment. We are waiting for the next one it should be on its way.” A few minutes later, as predicted, the train arrived, and we all boarded.

This story will teach us that not every encounter has to end in frustration or division. With a little patience and willingness to explain, even strangers in transit can share a moment of healing. Because this story went on.

When we neared Siegburg, she approached me again and said, “I want to apologize. I spoke inappropriately earlier. I’m truly sorry.”

Jeremie Niyiguha ist FSJ’ler im Referat für Öffentlichkeitsarbeit An Sieg und Rhein.