**Diary Entry 12th October**
Three days ago, I took a nasty tumble down the stairs and fractured my arm. The pain was sharp, persistenteven paracetamol barely took the edge off. But worse than the ache was the sheer frustration of feeling useless.
I booked a train to stay with Mum and Dad for a bitquieter for them, easier for me. I made sure to reserve a lower berth; climbing up top with a broken arm was out of the question. Once settled, the train pulled out of Paddington, and in walked a woman. Late fifties, immaculate, the sort who carries herself like she owns the carriage. One look at her, and I knew this wouldnt end well.
She eyed me, then my ticket, before snapping, Young man, I always take the lower bunk. Move.
I held up my cast. Sorry, but Ive got a fracture. Cant manage the upper one.
She scoffed, raising her voice for effect. Thats no excuse! You youngsters have no respect. Im olderI deserve this seat. Wheres your decency?
By now, passengers were peering in. Then a bloke in a tailored suit and a Rolex slid into view. Ah. Suddenly, her theatrics made senseshe fancied a bit of flirtation.
After I stood my ground, she plonked herself opposite, edging closer to the suited chap, batting her lashes. The audacity.
Thats when it struck meshe needed a lesson. Not a row, just a quiet reminder of consequences.
I pulled out my mobile, hit record, and said evenly, Funny thingIve got all this on video. The shouting, the guilt-tripping, ignoring a doctors note. And heres the kickeryou work for the Department of Education, dont you? That badge on your handbag gives it away.
Her face drained.
Imagine this landing on your bosss desk. Civil servant bullies injured passenger. Bet HR would love that.
The man beside her smirked and shifted away. She froze, like shed been splashed with icy Thames water.
II didnt mean she stammered.
I pocketed my phone. Next time, maybe think before you shout your way through life.
She didnt utter another word the whole journey.
**Lesson learned:** Sometimes, the sharpest rebuke is the one you dont raise your voice to give.
