Train of Thought

The final leg of Ken’s quiet and solitary train journey into London is ruined by the appearance of a talkative Welshman, Ronald, who can’t keep quiet for a moment. The friendly but slightly tatty older man takes a seat and immediately begins to annoy the native Londoner who is taking a trip from his home in Royal Tunbridge Well to visit his sister in Hampstead, North London, where he grew up, some 20 years previously. Ken’s malevolent thoughts on irritating his co-passenger don’t reflect the benign words that exit his mouth. Ronald sadly reveals that most of his family have died due to smoking-related illnesses, leaving him the last remaining sibling. As he continues his story, the tale of woe almost becomes a confession. This makes Ken very wary and, eventually, frightened of Ronald. He is right to be frightened as Ronald, who changes seats to the one next to Ken, cryptically reveals himself and his special psychic abilities. The train comes to a halt when it reaches its destination, and the Welshman collects his belongings to leave; he leaves Ken with a final warning not to think ill of people as that can seriously damage your health. Once departed, a shaken Londoner finds a packet of cigarettes on the seat where Ronald had sat. Along with tobacco, it has the distinct aroma of bitter almonds. The aroma of cyanide.