The tunnel is long, narrow and damp but well lit. I walk in the direction of my work station, a distance of over two hundred meters. Each step echoes ahead of me as I breathe in the stale, stinking air. It is a journey I have done repeatable for years. Then the tunnel opens up into a large office space with large monitors showing the diagnostics for this section of the ship.
“Conas atá tú Ciarán?”
“Tá mé go maith inniu agus tú a Shinead?”
“Táim ceart go leor.”
I exchange pleasantries with Sinead. We’ve been together for years. I had hoped for romance at one stage. Countless nights spent thinking about caressing her long, auburn hair and looking into those deep blue eyes. It was not to be. Darren, the third member of our work station got their first. He is already deep in thought staring into one of the screen. They have four children now. I try to be happy for them.
Darren looks at me and nods his head dismissively. He can sense when I’ve had one too many the night before.
I go a make myself a quick coffee.
Just as I’m about to take my first sip, all the lights turn red and a warning sound rings out.
This hasn’t happened before!
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