The sun, sea and salty breeze caressed the skin and tousled the hair, while the cries of seagulls and the laughter of children echoed in the air. But as all good things tend to come to an end too quickly, it was soon time to leave the idyll of the sea and head for the train station.
It became clear to me that I was not the only one who had the idea to escape when a crowd of people gathered on the platform; young people, adults, children and those of mature age. It soon became clear that the ride was going to be at least interesting, if not challenging, as the conductor was already on the platform directing people to line up in different parts of the train. Those who were going to Ljubljana were directed to the back of the train, while those of us who were travelling further afield moved to the front of the train. The movements caused some ill will among the passengers, but above all discomfort, as many were travelling with suitcases and other luggage.
Soon the train was filled to the last available seat. We all wanted to get home, and each of us was trying to spend the few hours of the long journey sitting rather than standing.
And still smiling, the conductor navigated among us, issuing tickets and apologetically explaining the situation to passengers. But when the conductor stopped at the passenger sitting opposite me, things got a bit complicated. Mr Drago unsuspectingly wanted to get to Slovenska Bistrica, but the conductor told him that the train was not scheduled to stop there. Drago insisted that he had to get to Slovenska Bistrica urgently, but the conductor told him that the train could not stop there. Their quasi-argument was soon joined by other passengers, who wanted to explain to the gentleman that the train only stopped in Poljčany and Pragersko.
When Drago desperately realised that he would not be able to get to Slovenska Bistrica on this train, he and the conductor started to look for a solution where to change trains, and he also wondered how long he would have to wait for the next connection. A lady had looked up the timetable on the internet via her phone and wanted to help Drago with information.
The passenger sitting next to me was quietly watching all the action. Branko Mlakar was also heading to Poljčany and he listened to the conversations.
As Drago's discomfort and nervousness grew, Branko spoke up, "Listen, are you travelling to Slovenska Bistrica? I'm getting off in Poljčany and if you want, I can take you to Slovenska Bistrica, because I'll pass through it on my way home."
A stone was visibly rolled away from the heart of Mr Drago. He gladly accepted the offer of a lift and thanked the other passengers for their kind gesture, which brought smiles and appreciation to his face.
When I asked Branko Mlakar on the long way home how it was that he offered a lift, he simply replied, "I have been in situations where everything didn't go according to plan, and then good people came along and helped. It is right that I help those who need help. But I won't really be doing anything special with this small gesture, as I will drop the gentleman off on my way to his home."
I smiled, knowing that sometimes it only takes a small act of help and care to not only brighten someone's day, but also to help resolve a situation and save a few worries. I spent the rest of the drive thinking that the old folk saying is still true: A hand washes a hand.
Amadeja Mlakar, 1. 8. 2025
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