Tunnel Vision

Optometrist, Sebastian on his way home from work, sparks a conversation with the only other remaining Tube passenger when the train halts in a tunnel only one stop from the end of the line. Kira, a young psychologist sitting opposite him, begins a flirty exchange with Sebastian. Sebastian walks over and sits down next to Kira, who takes the lead and boldly asks Sebastian out for a drink that very night; an invitation that her surprised suitor gleefully accepts. They have much in common, including parents who attended the same local school. Unfortunately, when Sebastian reveals his father’s name, it rings bells of doom for Kira as the man in question made her mother’s life hell as the school bully. Sebastian tries to brush away the revelation by explaining that it was long ago and that ‘people change. This does not wash with Kira, and by continuing to play down the past, Sebastian ruins any chance that the relationship with his new love interest will go any further. The Tube driver announces the continuation of the journey, and Kira distances herself from an irked Sebastian, whose conversation has turned into pure insults. Within seconds, the tube pulls into its final destination. Kira cannot wait to depart, leaving a still-seated Sebastian to call out one final insult, which Kira hears and returns to the open carriage door to respond in kind. As she walks off, the doors close, trapping an apoplectic Sebastian inside. He thumps the doors and shouts in a vain attempt to alert someone of his plight as the train begins its return journey down the line.