2.143737166 years on

Awaken before the clock sounds, before the electronic signal knicknack that marks the beginning of every working day. And turn the turbine off, that hisses air into the nose, raising pressures,easing breathing.

Pull the knees up so that they are over the side of the bed, let the feet drop to the floor below, and using the elbow and the attached right arm push the body into the vertical sitting position, Sitting on the edge of the bed, stand up now. And take off the night clothes and head for the bathroom.

Whilst waiting for the water to warm the cat comes in, and silently rubs its back on the naked legs.

She starts to purr.

and when the door to the shower is opened, the cat runs away, fearing the loud hisses.

And then the shower ended, teeth brushed, return to the bedroom a to find clothing.

The cat, confidence regained, loudly a-purr, tail vertical, bristling like a bottle cleaner, clearly expects feeding. So give it a sturdy dollop on its plate, and, still purring, it commences to eat as if it's life depended on it, as if starvation had been imminent. Cat culture, cat manners, cat noises.

With all the items for work-packed together, leave for the street, and pass the bakery before realising all those grey pavements are left behind, board the early bus behind Dolores, she of the plastic leopard skin bag.

All in the dark, rush, cars,  motors roaring; trucks rumbling. Black teenager, beautiful skin, sports clothing in black and grey, and bright fluorescent shoelaces, and hoody bands, and earphone cables, and shoe laces. A mass of brigight lines. She must be only sixteen, but so early to school?. Far too early.

large coffee today, it lasts longer, the man with the shaven head friendly, doing his work.

Alice is there too, and Anastasia in the background making sure that everything runs properly.

Hedgehog has companions today, he must hold court. He cannot read his newspapers.

And the train is full of fugitives from Syria today, all the horrors of the journey from the middle to the east visible in their faces and their demeanour.

And they have been unable to shower for weeks.

and they are all going to Munich, which is reportedly overcrowded already.