I do love trains, its a shame i never dream of them fondly.

‘Tickets please!’ I jolt awake, dragged away from the best dream I’ve ever had in my life and begin scrambling around my pocket searching for my wallet containing my train ticket. Still half asleep, I rummage through my pockets. I can’t feel it. The ticket inspector smiles at me, as if she is about to catch another freeloading scum. My hands rest on the leather wallet containing the ticket but as I pull it out all my coins leap onto the floor trying desperately to escape and begin roll around the carriage floor.

‘Here you go’ I say as I hand it to her dying of embarrassment.

‘Thank you! Looking smart, going to a wedding?’

‘Something like that.’ She looks at me giving me another smile as she hands my ticket back. After scouring the floor looking like a scrounger I sit back, put my headphones back in and relax. I think of how I could really do with a cigarette. Despite my mother’s pleas for me to stop, I check the box. None left. I could always pick up some more before I get there. No. It’s only right I listen to her advice on the day of her funeral.