Paper Cup

Written for https://lindaghill.com/2026/06/05/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-6-2026/

‘What a coincidence, seeing you on the train, and us going to the same place.’

Alice shrank into the corner of the seat and interlocked her fingers over her lap. She gave a brief nod and returned to her mobile, scrolling through all her notifications.

‘I mean, the theatre is not the best place to go on your own. What do you say we go together?’

She brought her paper cup, filled with warm coffee, and sipped its contents. If she didn’t say something soon, he would sit next to her, like he did when they were in the office. Did he listen in when she was talking to her friend about going to see Wicked?

‘Excuse me,’ a woman said. ‘Is this seat taken?’

‘No, I mean, you’re welcome to . . .’

‘Thanks, it’s been a long day, and me pins are aching.’ She shifted her bags into the next available space. ‘Sorry, lad, but I reckon you should find somewhere else.’

He shrugged his shoulders and moved further up, finding a seat in view of Alice.

‘Is that man bothering you? If you don’t mind me saying, you looked a little nervous. Do you know him?’

‘He was a temporary cashier, but … Perhaps I’m imagining it.’

‘Anything that starts with we; not a good sign. He is trying to make you a team, when I can see you are not. Where are you going?’

‘To the theatre, but I’m not so sure now. I noticed him a while back, but thought it was my imagination.’

‘Tell you what, we can get off at Twickenham and find a police station. If he is following you, then he won’t do nothin with another person there. He looks dodgy and always looks to your reaction. If you felt safe, you wouldn’t be acting like you are.’

As they got off the train, she could still sense him following her, but when they walked inside the police station, he seemed to disappear. Would they believe her? With her new saviour, it was looking more positive.