The things you see from the top of a bus…
the inevitable single shoe on a bus-shelter roof.
Someone naked in an uncurtained bedroom at midday – a nightworker? Or an illicit daytime assignation…?
The man urinating behind a tree in the park, then glancing up at the passing bus before raising two fingers and casually adjusting himself.
The local weirdo plonks himself beside you, all wild hair, dirty fingernails, reeking of whisky… and tomcats.
You rise, push past him, ignoring the pressure of his hand against your backside.
The car will be ready tomorrow, the mechanic promised.
It had better be.
As usual, not having participated for some weeks, I find WordPress has incorporated another batch of unfathomable changes. I navigated the hurdles, I’m here. Hopefully I’ll remember how to load up the link. (Thanks to Rochelle for her continued leadership of Friday Fictioneers.
castelsarrasin 
The daily grind, indeed..
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Glad I don’t have to do that any more. 🙂
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Me too!!
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Eeeuw yuk! Sad that this is the reality for some folks. Great writing! When I read it, I assumed I was reading a true account not a fiction story.
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Write what you know, they always say. Thanks for commenting. 🙂
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Dear Sandra,
Ugh…all too vivid. I can see it…and smell it. So happy to see you back on Squares. Magnificent writing as always. And yeah, this crazy woman keeps it going…not always sure why. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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If you finally decide to turn out the lights, I’ll know that I’m done with writing. This is the only occasion I do it these days, and even then not so often. So thank you!
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I’ve considered it when my muse refuses to speak, but I just can’t let it go. Too many good times and too many good friends I’ve never met face to face (and some I have.) Thank you for being part of it, my friend.
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She’d better get used to the bus. Chances are she won’t be able to afford to keep running the car
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She probably won’t have a job to go to anyway. Thanks for commenting.
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Not a great advert for public transport. Can’t imagine why we’re all so attached to our cars in this country!
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I’m not even sure how public transport works these days. 🙂 But then again, I hear it mostly doesn’t. Thanks for reading.
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Urgh, that was a very vivid picture! I don’t miss my days of commuting on the bus through East London…
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I remember commuting to Manchester. Two buses, one train and a mile and a half walk. 😦 Thanks for reading.
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Eww! Yes, much prefer the car. Nice job.
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Urgh, the joys of spending time with other humans. Maybe lockdown had its advantages 😉
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You have a point there. Only this week I found myself in close proximity to the man delivering our groceries and the acute discomfort I experienced… Thanks for reading Jen.
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Fabulous, and spot on.
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Thank you, Michael.
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Yeah, I would hope it would be ready soon. Sounds like the line from the movie Speed from Annie on the bus: “I love my car. I miss my car.” 🙂 I take the bus everyday but luckily I live in a small city and things are pretty quiet.
David
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I can’t remember my last bus ride. I’ve a better tolerance for trains though. Thanks for reading and commenting, David.
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I much prefer trains to buses. I love to visit countries where they are actually a thing, unlike most of the US.
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The joys of public transport brought to the fore, Sandra, with your keen eye and cutting diction. How has city life become so . . . vulgar?!
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I know exactly what you mean, Isadora. My husband went up to London for a couple of days recently and he said on his return “You’d hate it, dear.” Thanks for reading.
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But I love going on the buses.
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I think it probably used to be more enjoyable than it is now. At least in London.
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I quite agree. I would want my car ready that instant. This all sounds too familiar to me. 😎
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Thanks for reading, Andrea.
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I greatly enjoyed how you wrote this story, Sandra. I could relate except when the character cops the feel. And assignation (had to look it up) is a fun word I shall find use for. 🙂
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Assignation… from my Georgette Heyer days I think. 😉 Thanks for reading, Bill.
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It was my pleasure, Sandra.
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How grim, juxtaposed with being able to see all from the bus, which is also grim. Good stuff
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Thanks for reading, hope all is well with you.
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And the powers that be wonder why public transportation hasn’t caught on. Now only the desperate (and those with cars in the shop) use the service. I remember back in college days being forced to use it and those days are not remembered fondly. Welcome back, Sandra.
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Yes, I went to college by bus and train. I much preferred the latter part of the journey.
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I always enjoy your stories, Sandra. Great details of the drudge that is often public transport. I’m also glad I no longer have to show up at an office anymore. I can choose when to take the bus when it’s not so crowded. Nice to see you on the Squares. I don’t make it every week too, but still enjoy when I can.
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Thanks for reading, Brenda. Sorry to be late responding. Where does the time go?
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Wonderful story, Sandra. You really took me there…for better or worse!
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Hi Rowena, thanks for reading. Good to see you again.
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Yes, public transport can become too familiar.
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Can’t it just! Thanks for reading, James.
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I travel on the top deck of buses a lot – I’ve done it twice today, and you’re right, you do see some odd sights. And no, that wasn’t me next to you!
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I did wonder… 🙂 Thanks for reading, Keith.
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Public transport plenty of pros but quite a few cons! 🙂
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Indeed. Thanks for reading.
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i guess enjoy the moment while it lasts. 🙂
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Or not. Thanks for reading.
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Nicely crafted.
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Thank you Dahlia. 🙂
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Reality hurts. Great take, Sandra.
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Reality strikes when you think you’ve become immune to it. Thanks for reading.
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My pleasure, dear.
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Ugh! That’s why I prefer rickshaws.
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A little more precarious, but I see your point. Thanks for reading.
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Painfully clear writing, Sandra. Makes me happy to be retired!
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I never stop enjoying my retirement. 🙂 Thanks for reading, Linda.
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