A young man on the bus advised a pregnant woman sit on his lap rather than giving up his seat, but what another passenger did astounded everyone.
The bus was packed and stuffy as it traveled along a little street. Every seat was occupied. A young woman in a light summer outfit took over at the next stop.
Her round belly made it clear that she was seven months pregnant. She was obviously having trouble standing and was holding on to the railing, breathing deeply.
A young man wearing headphones was sitting directly in front of her. He was so engrossed in his music on his phone that he failed to see the pregnant woman standing next to him.
The woman spoke softly and courteously, “Young man, could you please give me your seat?”
Since he hadn’t heard her over his headphones, the boy didn’t respond. Leaning slightly forward, the woman caressed his shoulder lightly before repeating more loudly:
I’m having a lot of trouble standing, so might I just have your seat?
The young man removed his headphones, gave her a frustrated glance, and then, rather than getting to his feet, grinned haughtily:
He pointed to his legs and said, “If you want, you can sit on my lap.” He then started giggling.
The woman could hardly contain her emotions as his remarks sounded so brazen and provocative. Her eyes glowed with despair; she could hardly stand, yet she had lost the will to fight.
The bus was awkwardly silent. No one intervened; some passengers turned aside and pretended not to observe, while others looked at one another.
The entire bus was shocked when an elderly man who had been seeing the entire event from a close seat did something at that same moment.
I’ll give you a seat.
The old man who had been seated nearby was skinny and gray-haired. Leaning on his cane, he rose slowly. The woman gave a headshake:
— However, you You must find standing difficult as well.
The elderly man gave a small smile:
— I’ll take your place, so don’t worry.
— Where? — the woman inquired, startled.
The man moved around the young man and sat down on his lap without saying another word.
Everyone on the bus burst out laughing. A few even began to applaud. The old man settled himself even more comfortably, but the young man jumped as if to stand up, his eyes wide and his face flushed.
He replied loudly, “Well, then, since the pregnant lady’s seat is taken, I’ll make use of your offer,” and the bus erupted in laughter once more.
Burning with embarrassment, the young man leaped to his feet and offered the woman his seat. With a sigh of relief, she gingerly placed herself upon it and thanked the elderly guy.
