Strange meetings

He was about nine or ten, and he stopped me on the station platform to ask where the ticket gate was. I pointed him in the right direction, and suggested that he walk with me so that I could help go through. The train guard stopped us, and the boy told him that his aunt would meet him on the other side. The guard looked me over, as if challenging me to contradict the boy's story, then asked if I'd make sure he was met on the other side.

We went to the barrier and he took out his tickets, muddled about which one he should use. I pointed out the right one and helped him through the barrier. We went to the station entrance, and I asked him if he knew where his aunt was. She lived about 15 minutes away, he had called her and she was coming. Did he want me to wait with him? He hesitated. Would you mind? he asked. Of course not, I'll just let my parents know where I am. Your mum and dad won't be angry with you will they? he asked. Of course not, I said. Don't worry about it.

We stood in silence for a few minutes. I didn't want to pry too much, asking a nine-year-old too many questions just didn't seem right. We both stared fixedly at the door across from us. Finally, unable to bear the silence, I asked him if he was on his school holidays. Yes, he said. He'd come to visit his aunt. Then he was going to go away to Southend. He'd already been to Glasgow. That's far! I exclaimed. Very far, he said. You read for a little bit but then you fall asleep. Do you like to read? I asked.

Yes! He brightened up eagerly. I'm taking part in the libary competition. I only have to read one more book and then I've read ten and then I win the prize. What are you reading? I asked him, curious what nine-year-old boys read nowadays. Horrid Henry! he said. All about the Romans and the Vikings and Booduhka, he said bloodthirstily. Booodukha, I pondered. Do you mean Boudicea? Yes! She poisoned herself after the Romans killed her husband and hurt her daughters. Well, I said, I imagine she thought she had no other choice since the Romans had taken everything she loved. He nodded soberly. Can I ask you something? he said. Of course. Do you think that when people die there's always a lot of blood and it hurts you? he asked very seriously. Well, no, I said. Most of us get very old and our bodies just top working, and if we're lucky we go to sleep and don't wake up. Heart attacked? he asked, with an understanding that comes on from experience. No, not always, I added hurriedly. Mostly we just go in our sleep. I think it's very peaceful. He nodded.