A little while ago now, but while returning from a concert with a couple of my friends, a pair of middle-aged men in the seats behind us continued to stare at us through the reflection in the window. This continued for about 30 minutes, before they moved into closer seats (as the train emptied out, it being roughly 11pm). Another group of older women who were concerned about my friends and I – us being only 16/17 at the time – discreetly made sure we were aware and at the next stop (where they were departing), asked us to get off with them. They then walked us down to the next train carriage, which had more passengers, so we would not end up alone with these strangers. An act of female solidarity that I will forever be grateful for, but that I wish was not necessary. Thinking about what could have happened if we were left alone with still them makes me feel a little sick.
