The Uniform in the Wardrobe

Anton kept his railway uniform for two years after leaving the job. It occupied the best hanger in his wardrobe, although he now earned his living restoring wooden floors. Whenever somebody asked what he did, he still mentioned the railway first. The explanation lasted longer than any description of his present work, which he usually added almost apologetically.

His niece asked to borrow the jacket for a theatre production. Anton agreed, imagining a respectful role involving tickets and punctual departures. At rehearsal, he discovered that she was playing a dishonest station manager who lost every passenger's luggage. The audience was supposed to laugh whenever she appeared. He told the director that the jacket was not suitable after all.

His niece followed him into the corridor. She offered to find another costume, but asked whether he was upset about the character or about not wearing the jacket himself. He began explaining the dignity of railway work. Halfway through, he heard how little his speech had to do with her school production or the ridiculous missing suitcases.

He let her keep it until the final performance, then took it to a clothing collection. Before leaving home, he checked every pocket and found a receipt for floor varnish. Somehow, his current life had already entered the old uniform without asking permission. At the collection point, a volunteer asked his occupation for a form. Anton said he restored floors and waited for the next question.