At 10.00 pm I left my flat in Central London. I walked and I walked, night after night. I thought of Forest Gump. Arriving back home at midnight I’d eventually fall asleep.
This had been going on for seven weeks. London is beautiful at night. The street cleaners work between 2.00am and 3.00 am. When they finish the city sparkles. It’s so peaceful it gives you time to reflect.
As I walked along the River Thames, The Shard was reflected in the gently swaying current. A lone man walked toward me. He was of Indian origin, walking his dog but dressed as Aladdin. No more than a cursory glance was exchanged.
It was a Sunday and the last night I ever walked through the streets of London at night. That is, without a camera.
I knew there was something wrong with my relationship and couldn’t quite believe we had parted after five years. As I walked along Bond Street I just couldn’t believe what I saw. She was there, right in front of me but we were speechless. Her body language was assertive and confident, whereas I felt like a shadow of my former self. Empty. I didn’t know what to say or do, so I turned on my heels and began to walk home.
On that journey, but Within minutes, the story started to flash through my mind. I knew what I wanted to say.
This is a true story.