An old lady stood at the bus stop. Wisps of silvery hair was plastered to her forehead. Perspiration caused her flowery blouse to be stuck to her like her second skin. She had just gone to the wet market. Carrying bags of grocery which were as heavy as lead, she waited a long time for the bus to arrive. After what had seemed like forever, the bus finally roared into sight. However, the long vehicle was packed like sardines. Yet, everyone was jostling and pushing one another to board the bus. Finally, she managed to inch her way arduously into the bus as her back arched under the strain of the heavy bags.
On the bus, there was no seat. It was filled with boisterous chatter as many children were on board. She tried to balance herself grabbing the pole tightly. Her knuckles felt sore and her hands were aching badly. The merciless scorching sun filtered through the bus window, washing it in its blazing heat.
Fortunately, a boy, Sam, noticed the elderly lady who was trying to balance herself in the jerky bus. His heart softened. He felt sorry for her and gestured her to come over. He sacrificed his seat for the old lady but an uncouth young man darted to the seat as fast as a whizzing bullet and plumped his buttocks onto the vacant seat. In his haste, he pushed the old lady who let out a startled cry and fell onto a passenger. Everyone fell like dominoes. The young man threw a quick glance but feigned ignorance. He continued his mobile games using his latest i-Phone seven.
Sam rushed forward to the old lady’s aid and helped her up. He was mad with rage and clenched his fists tightly. His eyes were on fire! Feeling righteousness rising within him, he stormed toward the youngster and shouted, “I didn’t give up this seat for YOU! This seat is for the old granny, not you!” It was futile. His words fell on deaf ears. The stubborn youth remained nonchalant and even put his ear plugs on and turned the volume to the maximum. The music was so loud that one would not be surprised if his eardrums would have popped any moment.
Tension rose in the bus. Appalled stares were all fixated on the inconsiderate youth. Standing up to justice, Sam squeezed through the crowd and reported the horrid incident to the bus driver. After hearing what he shared, the driver halted the bus abruptly and stomped angrily towards the youngster with a frown on his face. He gestured him to take off his ear plugs and ordered him to give up his seat. By this time, the bus was rippled with muted voices, all discussing about the youngster’s behaviour. Still, the youngster refused to budge.
The driver threatened not to drive the bus unless the youngster gave up his seat. At this precise moment, a smelly shoe with mud flew in the air and landed on the youth’s cheek. His mouth was agape in shock. It was followed by another slipper which soared and gave his lips a hard smack. A few more eggs and tomatoes came along like a barrage of missiles and hit him bullseye.
The youngster was mortified with embarrassment. The passengers’ response was so unexpected. Everyone was extremely frustrated. He alighted hastily, regretting his mean action. All the footwear was returned to the rightful owners and Sam cleaned the mess. The old lady got a seat. The bus driver started driving off again and the bus resumed its boisterous noise.
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