[ 14:00 thursday 21 july – old aske’s hospital, london ]

there’s been a small explosion on a number 26 bus on hackney road, just a hundred metres from my house. from here in the office i noticed a helicopter prowling fixatedly over that area about quarter past one and wondered what was going on. there are no reports of casualties, either in the bus or in three other small explosions on underground trains. however this time i am not entirely immune to the consequences. sergio and i are due to take a train from liverpool street at half past five. we need to get to stansted airport for a flight to venice, where we will be visiting my friend fernando for four days.

i have an ominous sense this journey may have become a little more complex.

: c :