No room at the inn

Christmas Eve, a few days ago, and I'm on the train as usual. The train is full of people making the trip to see their families.

A few seats down from me is an elderly gentlemen who looks a little down at heel. As he speaks to the ticket collector it's clear that he's perfectly lucid and sober.

Later that evening I pass a hotel, and he's standing on the doorstop. The landlady is telling him that they have no rooms (despite the "Vacancies" sign in the window). One of those scenes that stays with you.

Merry Christmas...