Missed Connections Canada

King streetcar, you insisted an older rider take your seat and stood beside me smiling about it like it was nothing. It was something. Next stop took you first.

At the McMaster Museum of Art you lingered at the same quiet piece I did and finally said, “this one hurts in a good way.” Exactly. Wish we had hurt in a good way over coffee after.

Hot afternoon at Kelso, you were setting up a paddleboard near the beach and asked if I would watch your bag. I did, gladly. You waved coming back in but I had already packed up. I am kicking myself.

At The ROC area energy, you explained a trail map better than the sign. Orienteering crush formed instantly.

On campus at Mac by the student centre, you helped me when my bike lock jammed and stayed until it opened. We talked about your program for a few minutes. I never caught your name, just your kindness.

Afternoon at Cedarvale Park, you were photographing the creek from the little bridge. Your dog adopted me for about five minutes. We laughed about it. You called the dog back and I forgot to say more than "cute pup."

Saturday morning on Main Street in downtown Georgetown, you were carrying flowers and a coffee and somehow a newspaper. We both smiled at the juggling act. I held the door at the bakery. Wish I had held the conversation too.

At the battle re-enactment near Battlefield Park, you explained what was happening when I was completely lost. We watched the whole thing together and laughed at the dramatic cannon. Then the crowd scattered, and so did my chance.

Sunday brunch at the Ancaster Mill, you were on the patio over the falls and we kept catching eyes between courses. You smiled when the water got loud and we both gave up trying to talk over it. I would try again somewhere quieter.

At the Mattamy velodrome for a public session, you were way braver on the banking than me and gave me a thumbs up when I finally committed. We chatted in the infield. You left before the next session. Round two?

Evening at Bronte Harbour, you were sitting on the pier watching the boats come in. I walked past twice. The second time you said "nice night" and I just nodded. It was a nice night. I would love a redo.

Out in the Dundas Valley on the main loop, you and your trail-running shoes blew past me, then doubled back to make sure I knew the way at the fork. We chatted for a minute. You ran on. I have been hoping to catch up since.

Early train out of Milton GO, you were half asleep with a giant coffee and a tote full of textbooks. We ended up standing by the doors and you smiled when the announcement glitched. Long commute, short courage.

You were at Oakville Place on Thursday, helping a kid find a dropped mitten near the escalator. I thought that was lovely. We caught eyes and you smiled. I was carrying way too many bags.

After a skate at Sherwood Community Centre, you helped me carry my gear out to the lot when my bag strap snapped. We talked hockey for a bit by the doors. Did not get your name, did get a smile.

Sunny afternoon at Battlefield House Park, you were reading under the big trees near the monument. We made eye contact a few times across the lawn. I packed up too early. You waved as I left. Why did I leave?

Saturday on Locke Street, you were reading on a café patio with a dog tied politely to the railing. We talked about the dog more than ourselves. Typical. I would love to talk about literally anything else next time.

On the Hungry Hollow trail, you stopped to help me figure out which fork led back to town. We walked it together and talked the whole way. At the trailhead we said bye like it was nothing. It was not, for me.

We both reached for the same display copy at the bookstore in Mapleview Centre on Saturday afternoon. You were carrying a coffee and a great laugh. I went to find a second copy and by the time I got back you were gone.

Sunday at Prospect Park in Acton, you were teaching a kid to skip stones at the lake, patient as anything. I watched longer than was probably normal. We smiled when you caught me. I would love to learn too.

Art Crawl on James Street North, we kept ending up at the same little galleries. You said the photography one was your favourite and so was mine. We lost each other in the crowd by the second block.

Coming home on the evening train into Appleby GO, you helped an older woman with her suitcase down the stairs without making a thing of it. I noticed. I was the one in the green raincoat trying not to stare.

You were in line at a café in Kerr Village ordering something elaborate and apologizing to the barista for it. I told you never apologize for a good order. We laughed. I left before I got your name.

After a swim at the Glen Abbey Community Centre, we ended up chatting by the front doors about the lane hogs. You had a great laugh and a Sheridan hoodie. Same lane next time?

You were on a patio along Lakeshore Road with a couple of friends, but you smiled over at me twice. I was a few tables down with my sister. By the time my food came you had left. Burlington is a small place, maybe again?

Up at Rattlesnake Point on Sunday, you were at the lookout catching your breath and the view. We talked about which trail was less brutal on the way up. I took the long way down hoping to catch you. Missed you.

Early at Pier 8, you were watching the boats with a coffee and a camera. We talked about the new waterfront builds. You headed toward the trail and I stood there like the lighthouse. Next coffee on me?

You were writing in a notebook at Tamp Coffee in Aldershot, oat latte in hand. I was at the next stool pretending to work. We swapped a smile when the espresso machine got loud. Wish I had asked what you were writing.

Evening at Fairy Lake in Acton, you were fishing off the dock and not catching much but not minding. We talked about that being the point. The sun went down and I headed off without asking your name.

Friday on the Coach & Lantern patio, you were with friends but we kept trading smiles across the patio. You toasted in my direction once. I lifted my pint and then chickened out completely. I owe you a real hello.

At the Meadowlands on a busy Saturday, you let me go ahead in line when you saw I only had one thing. Small kindness, big smile. I should have waited outside to say thanks properly.

Friday night at Emma's Back Porch, you were near the front for the live band, singing every word. We danced near each other for a couple songs and then the crowd swallowed us up. You had the best energy in the room.

You were at a corner table with your laptop, studying. I was working nearby and couldn't stop glancing over. When you left, you looked back and smiled. Wish I had said hello. You had long dark hair and were wearing a green cardigan.

Our dogs were playing together - you have the golden retriever, I have the beagle. We talked for a bit about our dogs but I didn't get your name or number. You mentioned you come here most Sundays. Maybe we'll see each other again?

We both reached for the same avocado at the same time. We laughed, you let me have it. We chatted briefly about cooking, but the checkout line was calling. You were wearing glasses and had a great laugh. I was buying ingredients for tacos.

You were in the front row of the class. I noticed you from behind and we happened to be next to each other during the cool down. You have beautiful energy. I wanted to introduce myself after class but you left quickly. You were wearing a purple mat and had amazing form.

We both reached for the same Agatha Christie novel. You laughed and said "you can have it" but I insisted you take it. We talked for a few minutes about mystery novels. I should have asked for your number. You were wearing a denim jacket and had the kindest eyes.

We were both in the front row, singing along to every song. You looked over and smiled during my favorite track. After the show, I saw you leaving but couldn't catch up. You had amazing energy and a great voice!

You were riding your bike and I was jogging. We passed each other going opposite directions, then again when we both turned around. You waved the second time. I was the one in the red running shirt.

You were admiring the same painting I was drawn to. We stood next to each other for a while, both silent. You commented on the use of color and we had a brief conversation. You seemed really knowledgeable about art. I was the one asking questions.

You were admiring the same painting I was drawn to. We stood next to each other for a while, both silent. You commented on the use of color and we had a brief conversation. You seemed really knowledgeable about art. I was the one asking questions.

You were reading a book (looked like sci-fi) and I was across the aisle. We made eye contact a few times, and you smiled. I got off at the next stop before I could say anything. You were wearing a blue jacket and had a messenger bag. I was the one in the gray sweater.

We both reached for the same avocado at the same time. We laughed, you let me have it. We chatted briefly about cooking, but the checkout line was calling. You were wearing glasses and had a great laugh. I was buying ingredients for tacos.

Your border collie was amazing - so well trained! You were playing fetch and I was watching with my dog. We talked briefly about training techniques. You mentioned you come here most evenings. I'd love to chat more about dogs.

You were sitting at the bar alone, reading something on your phone. I was with friends but couldn't stop looking over. When you left, you looked back and we made eye contact. You had a warm smile. Wish I had come over to say hi.

You were admiring the same painting I was drawn to. We stood next to each other for a while, both silent. You commented on the use of color and we had a brief conversation. You seemed really knowledgeable about art. I was the one asking questions.

We were both waiting for the train, standing near each other. You were listening to music and I was reading. We both got on the same car and you sat across from me. You looked over a few times. I was the one in the black coat.

You were in the front row of the class. I noticed you from behind and we happened to be next to each other during the cool down. You have beautiful energy. I wanted to introduce myself after class but you left quickly. You were wearing a purple mat and had amazing form.

Your border collie was amazing - so well trained! You were playing fetch and I was watching with my dog. We talked briefly about training techniques. You mentioned you come here most evenings. I'd love to chat more about dogs.

We were both in the front row, singing along to every song. You looked over and smiled during my favorite track. After the show, I saw you leaving but couldn't catch up. You had amazing energy and a great voice!

We both reached for the same Agatha Christie novel. You laughed and said "you can have it" but I insisted you take it. We talked for a few minutes about mystery novels. I should have asked for your number. You were wearing a denim jacket and had the kindest eyes.

We were both waiting for the train, standing near each other. You were listening to music and I was reading. We both got on the same car and you sat across from me. You looked over a few times. I was the one in the black coat.

You were ahead of me in line. We made small talk about the weather and the long line. You had a great sense of humor. When it was your turn, you wished me a good day. I was buying way too much for one person, you noticed and smiled.

We were both running the same loop. You were ahead of me for most of it, then we ran side by side for a bit. You said "nice pace" and I said thanks. That was it, but I wanted to say more. You had great form.

You were ahead of me in line. We made small talk about the weather and the long line. You had a great sense of humor. When it was your turn, you wished me a good day. I was buying way too much for one person, you noticed and smiled.

We were both running the same loop. You were ahead of me for most of it, then we ran side by side for a bit. You said "nice pace" and I said thanks. That was it, but I wanted to say more. You had great form.

We were both in the front row, singing along to every song. You looked over and smiled during my favorite track. After the show, I saw you leaving but couldn't catch up. You had amazing energy and a great voice!

We were both waiting for the train, standing near each other. You were listening to music and I was reading. We both got on the same car and you sat across from me. You looked over a few times. I was the one in the black coat.

You were studying at the table across from me. We kept making eye contact and you smiled a few times. When you packed up to leave, I wanted to say something but you were already gone. You had a stack of textbooks and looked focused.

You were at a corner table with your laptop, studying. I was working nearby and couldn't stop glancing over. When you left, you looked back and smiled. Wish I had said hello. You had long dark hair and were wearing a green cardigan.

We kept running into each other at different vendors. You bought fresh flowers, I was getting vegetables. We smiled and said "excuse me" a few times. You had a nice tote bag and seemed to know all the vendors. Wish I had struck up a conversation.

You were riding your bike and I was jogging. We passed each other going opposite directions, then again when we both turned around. You waved the second time. I was the one in the red running shirt.

You were in the front row of the class. I noticed you from behind and we happened to be next to each other during the cool down. You have beautiful energy. I wanted to introduce myself after class but you left quickly. You were wearing a purple mat and had amazing form.

You were reading a book (looked like sci-fi) and I was across the aisle. We made eye contact a few times, and you smiled. I got off at the next stop before I could say anything. You were wearing a blue jacket and had a messenger bag. I was the one in the gray sweater.

You were writing in a notebook, completely focused. I was at the next table working on my laptop. You looked up a few times and we smiled. When you finished, you left quickly. I wanted to ask what you were working on.

You were reading a book (looked like sci-fi) and I was across the aisle. We made eye contact a few times, and you smiled. I got off at the next stop before I could say anything. You were wearing a blue jacket and had a messenger bag. I was the one in the gray sweater.

You were reading a book (looked like sci-fi) and I was across the aisle. We made eye contact a few times, and you smiled. I got off at the next stop before I could say anything. You were wearing a blue jacket and had a messenger bag. I was the one in the gray sweater.

You were reading a book (looked like sci-fi) and I was across the aisle. We made eye contact a few times, and you smiled. I got off at the next stop before I could say anything. You were wearing a blue jacket and had a messenger bag. I was the one in the gray sweater.

You were ahead of me in line. We made small talk about the weather and the long line. You had a great sense of humor. When it was your turn, you wished me a good day. I was buying way too much for one person, you noticed and smiled.

We were both waiting for the train, standing near each other. You were listening to music and I was reading. We both got on the same car and you sat across from me. You looked over a few times. I was the one in the black coat.

We were both waiting for the train, standing near each other. You were listening to music and I was reading. We both got on the same car and you sat across from me. You looked over a few times. I was the one in the black coat.

You were reading a book (looked like sci-fi) and I was across the aisle. We made eye contact a few times, and you smiled. I got off at the next stop before I could say anything. You were wearing a blue jacket and had a messenger bag. I was the one in the gray sweater.

You were studying at the table across from me. We kept making eye contact and you smiled a few times. When you packed up to leave, I wanted to say something but you were already gone. You had a stack of textbooks and looked focused.

You were at a corner table with your laptop, studying. I was working nearby and couldn't stop glancing over. When you left, you looked back and smiled. Wish I had said hello. You had long dark hair and were wearing a green cardigan.

We were waiting at the same gate for our flight. You were reading a book and I was listening to music. We made eye contact a few times. You had a carry-on with stickers from different cities. Wish we could have talked before boarding.

We both reached for the same avocado at the same time. We laughed, you let me have it. We chatted briefly about cooking, but the checkout line was calling. You were wearing glasses and had a great laugh. I was buying ingredients for tacos.

You were sitting at the bar alone, reading something on your phone. I was with friends but couldn't stop looking over. When you left, you looked back and we made eye contact. You had a warm smile. Wish I had come over to say hi.

You were writing in a notebook, completely focused. I was at the next table working on my laptop. You looked up a few times and we smiled. When you finished, you left quickly. I wanted to ask what you were working on.

We kept running into each other at different vendors. You bought fresh flowers, I was getting vegetables. We smiled and said "excuse me" a few times. You had a nice tote bag and seemed to know all the vendors. Wish I had struck up a conversation.

Our dogs were playing together - you have the golden retriever, I have the beagle. We talked for a bit about our dogs but I didn't get your name or number. You mentioned you come here most Sundays. Maybe we'll see each other again?

We kept running into each other at different vendors. You bought fresh flowers, I was getting vegetables. We smiled and said "excuse me" a few times. You had a nice tote bag and seemed to know all the vendors. Wish I had struck up a conversation.

You were reading a book (looked like sci-fi) and I was across the aisle. We made eye contact a few times, and you smiled. I got off at the next stop before I could say anything. You were wearing a blue jacket and had a messenger bag. I was the one in the gray sweater.

We both reached for the same Agatha Christie novel. You laughed and said "you can have it" but I insisted you take it. We talked for a few minutes about mystery novels. I should have asked for your number. You were wearing a denim jacket and had the kindest eyes.

You were in the front row of the class. I noticed you from behind and we happened to be next to each other during the cool down. You have beautiful energy. I wanted to introduce myself after class but you left quickly. You were wearing a purple mat and had amazing form.

We were both waiting for the train, standing near each other. You were listening to music and I was reading. We both got on the same car and you sat across from me. You looked over a few times. I was the one in the black coat.

You were reading under an umbrella, I was nearby. We were the only ones at that spot. You looked over a few times and smiled. When I was leaving, you looked up and we waved. You had a great book collection with you.

We were both waiting for the train, standing near each other. You were listening to music and I was reading. We both got on the same car and you sat across from me. You looked over a few times. I was the one in the black coat.

We kept running into each other at different vendors. You bought fresh flowers, I was getting vegetables. We smiled and said "excuse me" a few times. You had a nice tote bag and seemed to know all the vendors. Wish I had struck up a conversation.

We were both running the same loop. You were ahead of me for most of it, then we ran side by side for a bit. You said "nice pace" and I said thanks. That was it, but I wanted to say more. You had great form.

We both reached for the same avocado at the same time. We laughed, you let me have it. We chatted briefly about cooking, but the checkout line was calling. You were wearing glasses and had a great laugh. I was buying ingredients for tacos.

You were at a corner table with your laptop, studying. I was working nearby and couldn't stop glancing over. When you left, you looked back and smiled. Wish I had said hello. You had long dark hair and were wearing a green cardigan.

We were both running the same loop. You were ahead of me for most of it, then we ran side by side for a bit. You said "nice pace" and I said thanks. That was it, but I wanted to say more. You had great form.

Your border collie was amazing - so well trained! You were playing fetch and I was watching with my dog. We talked briefly about training techniques. You mentioned you come here most evenings. I'd love to chat more about dogs.

You were riding your bike and I was jogging. We passed each other going opposite directions, then again when we both turned around. You waved the second time. I was the one in the red running shirt.

You were sitting at the bar alone, reading something on your phone. I was with friends but couldn't stop looking over. When you left, you looked back and we made eye contact. You had a warm smile. Wish I had come over to say hi.

We were waiting at the same gate for our flight. You were reading a book and I was listening to music. We made eye contact a few times. You had a carry-on with stickers from different cities. Wish we could have talked before boarding.

You were running next to me at the gym. We started at the same time and finished around the same time. You looked over and gave me a nod. I wanted to say hi but didn't want to interrupt your workout. Maybe next time?

You were reading under an umbrella, I was nearby. We were the only ones at that spot. You looked over a few times and smiled. When I was leaving, you looked up and we waved. You had a great book collection with you.

We both reached for the same avocado at the same time. We laughed, you let me have it. We chatted briefly about cooking, but the checkout line was calling. You were wearing glasses and had a great laugh. I was buying ingredients for tacos.