Gentle sunlight showered the land, and the warm, enveloping air was indulgent. At the docks, the sound of ships' boilers had stirred, heralding yet another busy day.
"Tom, did you know? We've gone to war with the Austrians."
The dockworkers were used to the man in grey asking and answering his own questions. The drudgery and tedium of dock work required finding some kind of joy to unwind.
Small talk was undoubtedly the cheapest form of entertainment. The docks, teeming with people coming and going, provided a wealth of topics for idle banter.
Tom rolled his eyes and placed the cargo he was carrying on his legs, "John, isn't that obvious?
I also know it's not just with the Austrians we're at war; we're actually fighting against many countries across Europe. Since we started work today, the bigwigs have been discussing it, and my ears aren't deaf.
But what does that have to do with us? We still have to work, regardless. Unless you are thinking of enlisting?"
