Appearances

The girl on the tube is dressed as a punk. Mohican-style hair dyed flamingo pink, Doc Marten boots, lip and nose piercings.

She sits there with a surly expression as all but a few seats fill up at Holborn. Most are occupied by the young and middle-aged, who absorb themselves in newspapers, books and iPhones,

At Leicester Square it’s standing room only as an elderly woman boards with a walking stick. The punk stands and gestures to the vacant seat. The woman smiles and the girl smiles back.

Those who remain seated pretend not to notice. Including me.