Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson), a country housewife is bored with the security of her husband and family. At a train station she gets a piece of grit in her eye. A kindly doctor (Trevor Howard) removes it. Enjoying one another's company, the couple continue to meet weekly for a cup of tea in the refreshment room of the station while they await their respective trains home.
After much hesitation Laura gives in to Alec’s plea’s and joins him at a his friends Stephen’s apartment. But what should be a joyous realization is fraught with tragedy, since both care greatly for their families. Realizing that a future together is impossible they agree to part. The doctor
is to leave for Africa.
Can I see you again
I love you
I wish you stopped talking
We must be sensible
You’ve been a long way
Then and Now
IMDB
A Brief Encounter with Carnforth Station

Within 25 days it would have been Noel Coward`s (Writer) 109th birthday.
* December 16, 1899
† March 26, 1973
Within 27 days it would have been Celia Johnson`s (Laura Jesson) 100th birthday.
* December 18, 1908
† April 26, 1982
Director Billy Wilder wrote the story for The apartment because he was inspired by Brief encounter. “What about the guy who owned the flat where the lovers met?” Source / More (Book)