The tram bumped its way through the centre of Manchester, the carriages lurching and the wheels screeching as made its way over the points and around the curves. Inside, the passengers were standing shoulder-to-shoulder, hanging on tight to the ceiling straps and handrails. Any hope of sitting down had vanished about four stops beforehand.

As the tram crossed the river, a groan rose from the passengers. At the next stop there were maybe forty people standing on the platform. The tram came to a halt and the doors opened. There was a pause as the crowd on the platform waited to see if anyone was going to get off the tram, then they pushed their way on. Inside, the passengers rearranged themselves, trying to make room for the new arrivals.

Maria found herself being wedged in the gap between two rows of seats. The hard plastic pressed uncomfortably into her, and she wriggled around, trying to find a position that would at least be bearable for the next five minutes. Then, as the tram started up again, one of the other passengers bumped into her.

"Careful!" Maria growled. "I can't go any further."

"Sorry." Her assailant shrugged and gave her a sheepish smile. "There's not a lot I can do either."

Maria shifted her grip on the handrail. "There. Grab hold of that."

"Thanks." A hairy hand grabbed the rail. "They do pack them in here, don't they?"

Maria took a look at the person standing next to her. It was a young man in his late twenties. Despite it being early in the morning, his shirt was already creased and his hair messed. Still, Maria thought, at least he's used deodorant.

"You'd think they'd put on more trams, rather than just pack us all in," Maria replied.

The tram started down an incline into the city centre. Maria felt the young man shift his grip. "Sorry," he said. "I just can't keep my hands to myself."

Maria wanted to say something acerbic, but her wits failed her. Instead she shrugged and returned the young man's grin. "Well, you should try. Somebody else might not be so forgiving." A bell sounded in the carriage, and the 'Stopping' signs lit up. "Now, if you'll let me out? It's my stop."

The young man obligingly moved aside. "There you go."

Maria pushed her way through the crowd as the tram pulled into Exchange Square. Fortunately she was not the only person getting off. With some relief, she left the tram and headed for the office.

"Hard journey?" the security man greeted her.

Maria nodded. "You would not believe." She rummaged in her handbag for her pass. "Shit."

"What is it?"

Maria looked into her bag. Her purse and card wallet had gone, along with her pass and house keys. "I had them when I came out this morning." Then she realised why the young man on the tram had been so friendly and talkative. "That bastard's nicked my stuff!"