Talking with death had slowed me down. When I ran round the corner I saw her, bus stop girl. She was getting on the bus. I was late again. Ramping up my speed and crossing my fingers the bus driver is one of the nice ones who will wait when he sees a man running to catch it. Like always my luck was out. The guy saw me and I could swear he smiled as he closed the doors and pulled out when I was about five steps away. There were some school kids on the bus laughing at me through the window as the bus passed by. A nice bit of humiliation to start the day off before my manager tares me a new one for being late again.

I flop against the wall at the bus stop and catch my breath. It would probably be a good idea to ring work and let them know I'm going to be late but the voice in my head warns me that will just give them time to start shouting at me before I get there and give...