James Meek
Comments (0) A man went on a long rail journey. The train was crowded and he couldn’t find a seat. He conversed with the other passengers. After a time he became thirsty and went to the buffet car to buy a bottle of water. While the assistant was fetching the drink the man noticed a small, rectangular cardboard packet on the counter. It was black, with the logo of the train company embossed on it in gold letters, and sealed with cellophane. When the assistant returned with his bottle, the man pointed to the packet eagerly, smiling.
‘Are those playing cards, or cigarettes?’ he said.
‘They’re condoms,’ said the assistant.
The man’s face fell and his shoulders slumped. ‘I’ll take a packet, then,’ he said, sadly, and reached into his pocket for the money.
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James Meek is a writer. His novels include The People’s Act Of Love, and We Are Now Beginning Our Decent. He lives in London.
