A morning run in London
The train, two stations before Kings Cross, stopped.
No explanation, no big loud bang, just a train that seemed to get tired and want a little rest. We passengers shifted uncomfortably in our orange sheets and looked at each other with raisied eyebrows.
Finally, with a fuzz of static, an announcement was made
“We apologise for the delay. Engineers are currently upgrading the software in our signalling system. All trains in the vicinity are being held at platforms. Service is expected to resume in 10 minutes.”
We couldn’t believe our misfortune! We had already been waiting for what seemed like ages.
10 minutes came, got sick of waiting, and left.
Another announcement 5 minutes later
“We apologise for the inconvenience, all services will resume in 5 minutes”.
5 minutes came, and left.
So did we. Seriously late for the bus to the airport, we couldn’t afford to wait any longer.
First step, we agreed, was to try and find a guard. After some scouting about in dark corners we found one (he also had suprisingly bushy eyebrows, must be part of the job). He gave us some bus numbers and directions to Kings Cross Station. We flew out of the tube like something distastefully spat out and RAN.
RUN, Run, RUN, spot bus timetable on street. Check. puff puff. No bus. RUN.
Run, Run, spot next bus stop. Check for buses. None. RUN, run, RUN.
Stop for lights.
Me: puff puff “Do you know where we are going?”
Timshel: puff puff “I think so.”
Me: puff “How far away are we?”
Timshel: “A while yet I think.”
Me: “Should we get a Taxi?”
Timshel: “I don’t know, what do you think?”
Lights change. Run, RUN, Run, RUN, RUN, run run
As we run …
Me: “I don’t know. Taxi expensive.” puff puff.
Timshel: “Missing plane to Spain MORE expensive!” puff puff.
Me: “Would take too much time to find Taxi, flag Taxi down, load bags, fold down stroller …bettter to keep running.” puff puff.
Timshel: “Ok” puff puff.
Me: “Ok” puff puff.
Reuben: zzzzzzzzz (amazingly)