By the time I’d started out she was already asleep behind me, her little arms entwined around my waist. Even the engine revs failed to wake her as I roared up the deserted streets. I would always maintain my self-imposed speed limit, even at night. But tonight would be extra slow going. It was more relaxed going, getting a chance to see life as it passed by.

The heavyset wooden buildings forming a funnel to direst me home. The moon wasn’t out but I’d know the way blindfolded. Right at the corner shop, straight on past the abandoned hospital, right again at the old house painted an unusual shade of green… I felt her breath behind me and I smiled.

“Nearly home, babe.â€?

These are my streets I tear down. That familiar echo of my bike on every wall. I can’t help but laugh, the slipstream snatching the sound away until it isn’t mine anymore. No such thing as a quiet night in this town.