They look straight forward, cough as silently as possible. A stream of caffeine begins its journey through startled systems, heads jerking back suddenly as the jolt wrestles them from the sweet arms of Morpheus. No one looks particularly enthused. Newspapers rustle in a sympathetic chorus;
“Yeah, I know, it sucks. But look – 300 people plunged to their deaths in Nepal! It’s not that bad now, is it?”
They don’t reply. Pages turn. Crosswords are scribbled on and abandoned. Sudokus attempted gingerly and then put aside for ‘later’. Occasionally a mobile buzzes, answered in hushed tones. The bus emits groans of jaded anguish. Most of the passengers look as though they would benefit from the same release.
“Oh, hey Sarah”
Devastating. Horrifying. Unavoidable, unfortunately. Awkward greetings. I don’t think he likes Sarah. They turn away from each other in tacit agreement.
Sudan. Iraq. The morning bus to work.
Three places I would rather avoid. Actually, I’ve heard Sudan is quite picturesque at this time of year…
