PSLE: Busybody

The bus was bursting at its seams. The searing hot sun was invading the vehicle with its blazing heat. It was really an uncomfortable and bumpy ride. Jason was seated beside an obese man, his face trying not to betray his disgust of the man's body stench.

The bus soon screeched to a halt at the next bus-stop. A heavily-pregnant lady boarded the bus and waddled like a duck towards the middle of the bus, heaving and panting all at once. Feeling sorry for her, he immediately stood up and offered her the seat. The lady beamed a grateful smile and praised him for his chivalry.

Just as she was about to sit, the horrid fat man actually dumped his belongings onto the empty seat. Appalled stares of passengers were all turned on him but he feigned ignorance and continued sleeping. Jason was upset! He boomed indignantly, saying, “Excuse me, mister. Could this lady have a seat?”

The rotund man turned a deaf ear and even snored. This time, Jason was incensed! He could feel righteousness rising within him. He nudged him slightly, raised his decibels and yelled, “Excuse me, could you please move your stuff?” The man refused to budge. He remained nonchalant and tilted his head towards the window instead.

Jason was mad! He picked up the man's belonging and dumped it onto his lap. This infuriated the obese man who suddenly 'awoke' from his slumber and stared bulging eyes at Jason. “You busybody!” he hissed, waving his chubby fist menacingly.

Suddenly, panic engulfed Jason. Tension rose and he knew the fat man meant business and wanted to teach him a lesson. His mouth was agape in horror and his feet was rooted to the ground.   He was stunned by his menacing reaction!

Without a warning, the fist flew towards him and Jason's face turned as pale as a sheet. Then, as if a miracle, a passenger appeared from nowhere and barrelled towards them.  It was a hulking figure with a dragon tattoo burned into his olive arm.  He caught the fist mid-air and spoke gravely,  “Leave this boy alone.”

Seeing that he was no match with his eight-foot-tall, chunky man, the fat man released his grip. Just then, the bus screeched to a halt again. The rotund man then took his belongings and alighted hastily, spewing vulgarities under his breath as he stormed off huffily.

His hero flashed him a friendly wink before hopping off the bus too.  Jason wanted to thank him badly but did not get the chance.  Finally, the pregnant lady got her seat.

Jason was lucky to have met his saviour. If not, he would have ended up as the fat man's punching bag. He told himself not to be a busybody again for he might not be so lucky to meet another hero the next time.