The platform is strangely still and quiet as Simon Jefferson, trailing a briefcase and a Daily Mail, arrives to catch the first train. He nods to the small cluster of people already there and sticks his hands in his overcoat pockets against the cold. Laura doesn't like him getting up this early -- she says the bed is too cold by the time she gets up two hours later -- but he doesn't have the choice. Have to start early, get yourself ahead of the competition. Avoid the crowds.
Banking's a cutthroat business, he thinks to himself as his breath condenses in the cold morning air. Other guys all after my job and my bonuses. Get in early, get them before they can get you.
He tries not to think of his dangerously overextended mortgage as the bright interior of the empty train bangs and rattles into the platform to begin its own workday.
Posted by mpk at May 13, 2004 11:57 AM | TrackBack