The turnstile uttered no movement in response to Natalie's panicked haste as she pushed against its bar. Grunting choice words, her coat barely clung to one shoulder as her handbag, its contents open for all of the dark lobby to see, hung by a single strap from her elbow. This desperate image appeared to say more about the time than her watch had fifteen minutes ago.
"Excuse me ma'am," The calm voice of an older man, a night guard, responded to her frustrated cries as she continued to rattle the seemingly delicate frame, "We've locked up for the night, but you can use this door."
The rattling stopped, her head spinning to meet the night guard, his hand out stretch toward a side door. She rushed across the room to the door being held ajar, uttered an embarrassed thank you, and ducked beneath his arm. The man smiled as his good deed for the night ran off into the dim distance.
Like the towering buildings that surrounded her, the streets slept with only the occasional van or taxi passing the vacant pavements. Scary as it was, she had no time to worry about who else might be on on the paths this late, little thought spared for the possible surprises that might await her around each corner.
Dodging some bin men, her steps echoed, following her all the way to the tube station.
"Have I missed it?" She cried as she rummaged through her bag for her ticket. "Have I missed the last train?"
"Not yet but it's due any second." The ticket woman replied as she checked her screen.
Offing her heels, Natalie ran for the escalators, descending them with little care for consequence. She didn't have much time left, she could hear the train pulling into the platform. She turned the corner for the northbound line and followed the rat tunnels until she came out on the platform. There it was, the last train, it's doors beeping as they prepared to close.
Not caring for a specific carriage or entrance, Natalie threw herself at the closing doorway, clutching her possessions with dear life. With a dull thud the doors closed and she sighed with relief, taking a seat with panted breath.
The ride home was always a long one, taking the tube to the end of its line, something she had always found somewhat depressing. She would watch as the countless commuters boarded and alighted the carriages, some with only a single stop, others with many like herself, until it was finally her turn. Today was much different however and as she made her self comfortable, leaning against the glass divider at the end of the bank of seats, she realised how happy she was now that she was on the train and knew she was on her way home.
Natalie never worked this late, never past nine in the evening, and never for an unjustified reason. With her business going through rough times however, it had fallen to her to win over a new client, one that she had to present to in less than eight hours. Little time for a nap, shower and something to eat before returning on this same train.
Watching the tunnel lights speed past the windows, their hypnotic rhythm lulling her into submission, she began to ponder. Was it worth going all the way home just to come back. Would she have enough time? It wasn't like she had a husband or a family to rush back for. If she had, they'd be long asleep by now.
Dozing slightly, her eyes blinked heavily as she felt the train pull into yet another station. It wasn't this that broke her doze however. The laughter of another woman echoed through the station and as the doors yawned, continued through the carriage. A young couple clambered in with the distinct disadvantage of alcohol, perching themselves heavily against the back wall.
