A character...

I found myself thinking, 'bastard's got my seat!' as I had to take an alternative and much inferior position on the bus.

I put him in the mid to late 50's age bracket. The sullen look of Clement Freud and the wrinkles of a mastiff dog, came to mind!

As per usual, his black knitted hat was pulled well down against his weary, weathered face. He sat diagonally taking up a double seat. He took a slouched and indifferent pose whilst sitting cross-legged. It was then I saw his well worn suede lace-ups and dark grey woollen socks which made me suspect it was a man dressing himself, as opposed to those men with a good woman at the helm!

His clothing is always in shades of brown and black. As he rose to depart the bus, I could see the full extent of his close fitting black anorak that had a hood. He carried a black document bag.

Immediately off the bus, he swiftly lit his habitual cigarette and walked amongst pupils on route to the local secondary school, where he works.

What message do you suppose he is sending?