My companion decided to take the shortest route to the platform opposite, and stepped down onto the railway track. I considered this far too dangerous a move. I instead climbed the iron steps and walked over the bridge.

The savage owls at the other side took me completely by surprise. Their pecking was so ferocious that I had to pull out the beaks lodged into my skin.

The next day I came up in blue boils all over my body. I needed urgent medical help, but all GP surgeries were closed due to the pandemic lockdown.