A woman claimed two passenger seats on the bus and caused a huge uproar when a young man tried to take the empty seat.
suburb. Morning, district center.
The bus was packed. The air was like that of a steam room, and there was absolutely no room.
I boarded at the stop by the old store, where there was a seat by the window. On the seat beside her was a heavy, fifty-something woman with painted lips and a large plastic bag on her lap. Next to her — empty.
I politely leaned over and asked:
Please, is this seat free?
The woman grimaced as if I had asked her to sell her soul:
— Taken!
— Who’s in this seat?
She waved her hand as if to ward off a fly:
You shouldn’t worry about it. I would want to store my bag here!
People started looking at each other, and I was astounded. What does she have a right to?
I sat down. In silence. Carefully. Don’t push or touch her. just took a seat in the empty chair.
Then it started.
— What are you up to, annoying idiot? This is already taken, like I said!
Nobody is sitting here, and there are no things. You see, there isn’t even enough space for the bus to stand. I spoke softly.
I don’t want you to sit close to me! Since I purchased my ticket, I am entitled!
— Are you sure? Have you bought two tickets?
She hesitated. Just for a second. Then she shouted across the bus as loudly as she could:
You have nothing to worry about! Fool, get away of here!
A voice from behind:
Please be polite, Ma’am.
“Avoid interfering!” she cried. I want to be by myself while I sit.
But then something completely unexpected happened, and the woman just got up and walked away without saying anything.
The conductor approached. confident, as though they’ve handled troublemakers before.
What’s going on?
The woman started yelling:
— He sat down! I told him not to! It’s hard for me! I spend the whole time alone!
The conductor made the following clear:
— Show your ticket.
— Why?
Since you only have one seat, that’s all you have. People are standing in the aisle.
The woman started to look in her purse and came out with a ticket. One. A normal one.
“No complaints,” remarked the conductor. Maybe the guy will sit down. If you want to go alone, purchase the second ticket or disembark. You are entitled to a cab.
“I will be complaining!” the woman cried out.
— Go ahead. But follow the rules in the meantime.
The bus got happier:
That’s right!
— Cease!
Respect must be shown in return!
An old man whispered from the back seat:
She doesn’t have high blood pressure, but she is making us feel anxious.
The woman jumped up and protested by standing in the aisle with the bag clasped to her chest like ballistic armor. She looked out the window and gasped. The seat was available.
I didn’t move. Just kept riding. Trees and poles flashed by outside. Everyone became more relaxed. Some fell asleep, while others mumbled.
I found it strange that there was so much room but so little consideration.
