I bet we all do it. Whether it’s sat at a bus stop or waiting in a queue. We all love to watch the world go by. Looking at different people and what they’re up to. Looking out of the window when we’re travelling. I suppose that’s why the window seat is the most popular in planes.
I always try to get a seat by the window when I’m in a café or restaurant. OK, people can see me I suppose but it’s a great way to spend time.
I went to an Italian restaurant with my wife and children the other day. We walked in and it was empty – the waiter greeted us but my wife and children decided they all needed the toilet. I was left to choose a table.
Naturally, I chose one by the window, sat down and started to watch. I saw women struggling with shopping, couples walking hand in hand, red buses, cyclists, people laughing, people hurrying, people strolling. All in their own little world.
Then I heard a rumbling sound to my left. Well, it was more a rattling sound. Maybe it was a trundling sound. I wondered what it could be. It actually sounded quite ominous.
I sat up in my seat expecting something to happen. Some sort of collision or crash. But the sound went on for a few seconds and was becoming louder and louder. Then, suddenly, a boy on a skateboard came into view. His arms were flailing as he was trying to keep balance and his face contorted in horror. He was being chased closely by two other boys who had similar horrified expressions – no doubt trying to stop him.
Then, just as suddenly, he disappeared from view and the trundling noise faded away to nothing.
I wonder if he’s still got the skateboard.
28/09/05 @ 01:35