For a fleeting moment…

For a fleeting moment, I allow myself to close my eyes…

I see myself standing in a narrow street of an Italian mountain town. The air is cool and fresh, the sky blue, and the sun is warm on my face. Nearby, there is an impressive church. The ancient building boasts an imposing bell tower. It casts a cool shadow over the green grass below…

I open my eyes…

I have joined the other grey-faced people seated around me. The tube train is hot. Its lighting is harsh. The carriage shakes and rattles onwards, deeper into the city.

We sit with blank expressions, almost unaware of the train hurtling at high speed through the dark tunnel.