Once he had calmed down
Alexander Pallister
popped a pound in the vending machine’s slot.
E9, his sweaty fingers pressed.

The conductor,
Murray Whitbread,
was still visibly ticked off
as a Sinckers chocolate bar was placed in his hand.
“I’m sorry I called you a cunt,”
admitted Alexander Pallister
before boarding the train.

Murray Whitbread
wiped a tear from his eye
as he watched the delayed 7.30 service depart
and cursed his lifelong peanut allergy.

© Carl Burkitt 2013