A Lesson Learnt

With my heavy knapsack on my back, I dragged my feet and weary body towards the bus stop. My day had started at 6am and now it is now 5pm. I was dog-tired. The sultry and humid weather did not help a single bit. In fact, it made me more irritable. It is strange how the more you want to get on the bus, the longer you have to wait. After what seemed like an eternity, bus 302 finally arrived. The bus was so cool that I had goose bumps. A big grin appeared on my face as I went over to seat on an empty seat.

As I slowly dozed off in the cool comfort of the air-conditioned bus, a sudden jolt woke me from my sleepy state. The bus had jerked to an abrupt halt. “What a reckless driver,” I thought to myself. From where I sat, an elderly couple was seen staggering up the steps of the bus. By now, there was only standing room on the bus. The elderly was carrying several heavy plastic bags laden with groceries while the elderly man, leaning on his walking stick, looked around for a seat. I was certain everyone saw the needy couple but some pretended not to notice by looking out of the windows. I was no exception. I remained rooted to my comfortable seat.

The journey ahead for the needy couple was quite rough and tough as the reckless driver stopped abruptly now and then. Looking at how the couple suffered throughout the journey, I still did not want to give up my comfortable seat. Soon the driver came to yet another abrupt halt, This time, the driver was trying to avoid hitting a jaywalking person. The helpless elderly lost her balance and fell to the floor. Her groceries scattered on the floor beside her.

“How are you dear…” the old man asked tenderly as he tottered towards her, stretching out his hand. Seeing the look of agony on the old woman’s face, I felt a sharp pang of guilt in my heart.
With the people’s quick reflexes, they reached out to help the poor elderly. A middle-aged woman helped to pack the groceries that were scattered on the floor, while a group of girls in their teens picked the poor elderly up. I,being a 'considerate' commuter, gave up my seat to the elderly couple.

I remained standing for the rest of my journey home. Taking stock of all that had happened, I reflected upon my actions. Since then, I promised myself to be more considerate in the future.