Laura wants to sit by the window.

Laura: Excuse me. Is this seat taken?
Philip: No, it’s not taken.
Laura: Oh, thank you.
Philip: Oh, let me help you with this suitcase.
Laura: Oh, thank you.
Philip: Do you want to sit by the window?
Laura: No, no, no. I like the aisle seat better.
Philip: My name is Philip Bennett. Pleased to meet you.
Laura: I’m Laura Smith. How do you do?
Philip: Do you live in New York?
Laura: No, no. I’m from Florida.
Philip: I am, too. But didn’t you just get on the train?
Laura: No, no. I just changed my seat. A man next to me was smoking, and smoke really bothers me. Where are you from in Florida?
Philip: Titusville. It’s near Orlando.
Laura: It’s a small world. I’m from Titusville, too.
Philip: Really? What part?
Laura: My husband and I live near Spaceport.
Philip: I know that area. My house is only a few miles from Spaceport. Do you still live there?
Laura: Oh, yes. My husband’s there now. He couldn’t take time off to come to New York with me Do you still live there?
Philip: No. I sold the house and the furniture, put a few personal things in an old trunk, and sent it to my children in New York. That’s my destination.
Laura: Are you married?
Philip: My wife died four years ago. She was a wonderful woman. A real friend.
Laura: I’m sorry. Really, I’m sorry.
Philip: Lots of wonderful memories. We were married almost fifty years. Well, forty-seven, to be exact.
Laura: John and I will celebrate our fortieth anniversary next month.
Philip: Oh, congratulations! That’s nice. What does John do?
Laura: He’s an engineer and works for Orlando Aircraft Corporation. He started with them almost forty years ago. What do you do?
Philip: I just retired. Had my own company. A construction company. Roads, bridges, big stuff. But I just sold it and retired.
Laura: The conductor is coming to us. He must be here to check the tickets. I have a ticket, I know. Have I lost it in the smoking section?
Philip: Don’t worry. I’m sure it’s in your purse, Mrs. Smith.
Laura: Oh. Here it is. Thank you.
Philip: Do you have family in New York?
Laura: No, no. But I do have very close friends in New York City. We like to go to the theater together. You said you have family in New York.
Philip: Yes, indeed. A son and his wife and their three children—my grandchildren.
Laura: You must be excited.
Philip: I can’t wait to see them!
Laura: Are you going to live with them?
Philip: Yes.
Laura: Permanently?
Philip: Well, they want me to, but it’s too early to know for sure. I’m pretty independent. I tried to teach my kids the importance of independence, but I’m not sure I want to be alone. Some people don’t mind being alone. I do.
Laura: I understand. But tell me, why did you stop working?
Philip: I regard work as a means to an end. I enjoy my profession up to a point, but it certainly doesn’t rule my life.
Laura: So you left the business world?
Philip: I retired because I wanted to be with my family. I didn’t want to be alone any more. Basically, I’m a family man. Now I’m old, family life seems to be much more important.
Laura: Well, here we are. The train will be stopping in five minutes. It is so nice meeting you, Mr. Bennett.
Philip: And nice meeting you, too, Mrs. Smith. Please look us up if you are free. We’re in the phone book. Dr. Michael Bennett, in Riverdale.
Laura: Your son?
Philip: That’s right. And have a good time in New York.
Laura: And don’t be so independent. You’re very lucky to have a caring family.