The Longest Run

He paced the subway platform slowly; deliberately. The people at the station stood away from Jonathan, close to the wall. For Jonathan, their presence was a steady murmur in the distance. He was caught up in his own world of thoughts . . . a private world.

The train going east came around the bend in the tunnel. It's entrance into the station was preceded by a strong gust of wind - cold wind. A shiver ran down Jonathan's spine. Particles of dirt were flung into the air from their resting place. A piece flew into Jonathan's eye. He rubbed his eye lid frantically.

"Fuck," he said out loud; louder than he had intended, louder than the churning noise the train made as it made it's way towards the end of the platform. Several people broke from their conversations and looked in his direction. Jonathan turned towards the tracks, feeling the piercing of eyes on his back.

The eastbound train started up and left the station. It disappeared into the distance of the tunnel leaving the westbound commuters waiting, and leaving Jonathan rubbing his eyes.

It had been a long ride. Victoria was next, and that was where Jonathan intended to get off. He didn't like the subway. It was underground. He did not like being underground.

The train pulled to a stop. "Victoria." a voice announced over the public address. Jonathan rose from his seat and headed towards the door. The doors slid open. As he stepped off the train his shoulder brushed against the head of an old lady shuffling along in front of him.

"Excuse me," he said apologetically, more to himself than the lady.

"No respect, these young people." the woman retaliated waving her cane in the direction of Jonathan.

She wasn't hurt, so Jonathan, ignoring her, moved towards the exit. He had an appointment to keep and he couldn't afford to be late.

The Longest Run - go to page 2

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