Please take a seat

Outside the window, a single red maple leaf fell across the tracks onto the platform. Under the roof, several people were gazing down the tracks. A woman entered the waiting room, readjusting the strap of her bag that had dug into her shoulder. A man in a suit stood at the far right. Liz started to stand up, then noticed the empty seat next to her. "Oh, please, take this seat." She readjusted her work bag on her lap and gestured with her palm for the empty seat. The woman's eyes widened slightly, then she smiled with relief and bowed slightly. Though silent, Liz also bowed slightly in return. A high school student in a navy blazer sitting on the other side pulled his knees back to make way. The woman nodded to him as well and sat down between them. The old bench creaked faintly. The level crossing bells began to ring in the distance. Someone looking at their smartphone outside the window looked up. Liz glanced out the window and readjusted her grip on the bag on her lap.