The people, they go by

A creative writing exercise born from people watching. Sitting in cafes, bars, airports and train stations, observing the world go by and imagining the stories behind the faces.

These are entirely fictional accounts inspired by real observations. Any resemblance to actual events or persons is purely coincidental.

Gym guy, working on a laptop

A young-ish guy, clearly works out - maybe he runs his own gym or PT business? He's come to a transport hub bar with a laptop to do some work. Perhaps his gym is nearby and is too noisy to work there? If he was travelling he'd be dressed differently.

He drinks Guinness and sits near another table with a family at it. He doesn't seem to notice or engage, but one of the grown-up daughters keeps looking his way. Perhaps she'll buy him another drink and they'll have a long and happy life together.

Perhaps not.

American dude and an English couple

He's been staying with the couple but is now going back to the states. The English guy is enthralled by his stories, his wife less so.

When the English guy goes to the bar, conversation all but stops. When he returns it picks up.

I think he's trying to sell the couple on a lifestyle or something in America. Maybe it's a cult, maybe it's an investment opportunity but either way something seems off.

I hope they don't lose out on it.

Two sisters and a loving mum

Daughter one is going traveling after an unpleasant breakup. She has a bag packed, and her sister and mum have come to Paddington with her to say goodbye. Saying goodbye at the airport would have been too hard, too emotional, so Paddington is a good intermediate step.

They are having a drink and a light lunch and while the mum goes to order, sister two goes to the loo. Daughter one is close to tears. She's clearly close to her sister who is close in age and looks, but with died blonde hair.

Her family returns and they talk. She is distracted from her tears, from her fears, and by the time the food comes she is more cheerful. Still trepidatious about her trip, but more confident. I think she's going somewhere that means calling home will be hard; there's too much emotion for someone who will be video-calling that evening.

I hope her travels are life-lifting and she returns happy.