When a young man attempted to take the vacant seat on the bus, a woman occupied two passenger seats and created a major commotion.
suburb. District center, morning.
The bus was completely full. There was no room at all, and the air was similar to that of a steam room.
There was a seat available by the window as I boarded at the stop by the old store. A hefty, fifty-something woman with painted lips and a big plastic bag on her lap sat on the seat next to her. Beside her — vacant.
I leaned over and inquired courteously:
Is this seat free, please?
As though I had asked her to sell her soul, the woman grimaced:
— Captured!
— Who is seated here?
As though shooing a fly, she waved her hand:
It’s none of your concern. This is where I want to put my bag!
I was stunned as people began to exchange glances. What is her right?
I took a seat. Silently. With caution. avoided touching or pushing her. simply sat down in the vacant seat.
Then it began.
— What are you doing, obnoxious fool? As I mentioned, this is already taken!
There are no objects here, and no one is seated. You see, the bus doesn’t even have room to stand. I talk gently.
— You shouldn’t sit next to me! I have the right because I paid for my ticket!
— Are you certain? Have you purchased two tickets?
She paused. For a moment. Then, as loudly as she could, she yelled across the bus:
It is none of your concern! Get out of here, fool!
A voice in the rear:
— Ma’am, show some manners.
“Don’t meddle!” she screamed. I’d like to sit by myself.
However, a really surprising event followed, and the woman simply got up and left without stopping.
The conductor came over. self-assured, as if they’ve dealt with troublemakers before.
— What is happening?
The woman began to shout:
— He took a seat! I urged him not to! I find it difficult! I’m by myself the entire time!
The conductor stated unequivocally:
— Present your ticket.
— Why?
Because you only have one seat if you have only one. In the aisle, people are standing.
After beginning to search through her purse, the woman produced a ticket. One. A typical one.
The conductor said, “No complaints.” The dude might take a seat. Pay for the second ticket or disembark if you wish to go alone. You have the right to a taxi.
“I’m going to complain!” the woman screamed.
— Proceed. But in the interim, abide by the guidelines.
The bus became more cheerful:
That’s correct!
— Stop this!
Respect needs to be reciprocated!
From the rear seat, an elderly guy murmured:
She is putting pressure on our nerves, not having high blood pressure.
With the bag clutched to her chest like a ballistic armor, the woman leaped to her feet and stood in the aisle in protest. She gasped as she peered out the window. It was a free seat.
I remained motionless. Simply continued riding. Outside, poles and trees flashed by. Everyone calmed down. Some muttered, some fell asleep.
It struck me as odd that there was so much space but so little regard.
