My mates wouldn’t let me join them at the table – so I tossed food down from the top shelf to share with them

I boarded the train headed to my parents house, settling into my seat in a second-class carriage. My ticket placed me on the top bunk, which didnt bother me in the slightest. Down below, two ladies had already claimed the lower berths. I was hoping to wait by the door for the conductor, yet one of them made it clear she wasnt happy about me climbing over her seat.

Later, when I fancied a bite to eat, the women blocked access to the table, sitting across from each other deliberately and quietly sipping their tea, making sure I couldnt squeeze in.

Would you mind if I had a quick snack? I asked politely.

Young man, your tickets for the upper bunk. Saved your pounds, did you? one replied. Eat up there. We need our rest. The last thing we want is your food lingering about for us to smell. Besides, were trying to sleep.

It was obvious they had no intention of moving. So I made my bed upstairs and unpacked my instant noodles. Just as I started to eat, the train gave a sudden joltmy entire dinner went tumbling onto the lower berth.

Noodles landed everywhere, including the elegant hairstyle of the woman below. Long strands sprawled across the whole compartment. I couldnt decide if I wanted to laugh or cry.

Young man! Honestly, have you never eaten on a train before? What a mess! she exclaimed, clearly annoyed.

I promise, it was an accident! I replied, carefully picking noodles out of her hair.

All night, a strong scent of instant noodles lingered across the carriage. Even the train staff steered clear of the compartment. The lady beneath me longed for a chance to wash, but this was just a basic British trainno special comforts here.

Despite the lingering smell and gnawing hunger, I managed to sleep soundly. In the end, I realised even a simple journey teaches us patience and humility. Sometimes, sharing space means putting up with unexpected inconveniencesand finding humour in them is often the best way to cope.