An elephant tried to get on my bus today. But it was too big to get through the door.

“I’d like to go Highbury & Islington, please!” she said, to the driver, from the curb. She didn’t know that it was a flat fare. £1.90.

The bus driver took one look and sighed, “sorry love, I’d let you on if I could.”

The doors slid shut. She got her trunk out of the way just in time.

I glimpsed her through the dusty window as we drew off, left behind and stood still on the pavement. Dejected but, probably, used to it.

Me, comfortably seated, little paper bag filled with fresh snow peas on my lap.

At the next stop I got off and walked back. A light jog. There she was.

“Come, it’s not far from here! I’ll take you. Would you like some peas?”