my lucky number

when the train arrives i 'm the first to get on.

according to schedule the train will wait at the station for thirteen minutes after it pulls in, but i want the first pick of the seats - more than likely it will be driver's side, one by the window in the second compartment - and i'm the first to get on to make sure i secure it.

i read in a novel that this carriage is less likely to come to harm in the event of an accident, and whether this is in any way based on fact is incidental at this time, the only information worthy of note here is that this thought offers me a sense of calm, even if only with a placebo-like effect.

i grew up in a large family. large by today's standards. back then we were a family on the block like any other. i could illustrate what being a bloke with four brothers and one sister meant using any one of dozens of stories that would flavour that time with comedy and a touch of greed, but the truth is, it means nothing now. i grew up in a big family and so know what it means to make a play for what i want. i have not since ever been prepared to fill my plate with leftover cuts.

or a seat in a second-class carriage.

and i'm used to this stretch. i know exactly where to stand on the platform so when the train comes to a halt, i'm there, perfectly in line with the second door to the second carriage.

my lucky number.

and i have nothing to wait around for, and even if i did have someone seeing me off, i'm not one for drawn out goodbyes. not the kind that take a long time to exchange, nor the kind that make me miss the seat i might not even give up for my girl.

yep. i'm the first on the train when it pulls up, and the first to find a seat. it stops, all nine carriages, and i'm the first to get on.