you’re a winner

I was on ebay last week, eagerly counting down to the acquisition of a brilliant.new.find, anticipating a ‘you’re a winner!’ confirmation, which never came. I was outbid.

Later that day, riding home late at night, I stopped at the lights, beside a taxi. A man was sitting in the back seat, in a suit, forehead furrowed, looking through documents. I found myself staring, willing him to return my gaze.

I wanted to tell him: it’s late. you have worked hard enough today. put your papers away. take a breather. loosen that tie. go home, to your favourite person. squeeze them tight and ask them how their day was. listen to the reply. tell them you think they’re tops. climb gently into bed. close your eyes. dream sweet. I wanted to tell him: you’re a winner!(already).

But the lights changed and his taxi took off, into the dark.