Now that the platform opposite stood deserted, Julia noticed a little shop on the very corner of the ablutions building, tucked almost out of view. In front of the window stood a row of metal buckets holding bunches of flowers. The belly kicked and punched. Belly, stop it. There’s no point in protest. I know what I want.
A man in blue overalls had just come down the ladder fastened to the side of the troublesome train. She tugged at his sleeve. He looked at her and backed away, showing her his filthy hands, and grimaced.
‘What is it, love? Can I help you?’
She wanted to run; run over the bridge to the other side. Her breath quickened and she clutched her bag tighter.
‘Are you all right, love?’ His eyes dropped to the belly. ‘Do you need a sit down?’
‘No, I just – I want to know how mu
