Stranger Interaction: Q34
It’s happened before, on colder days than this one. Seldom, though, do I have an opportunity to confront the situation directly. On my way home from class I was waiting for a bus to take me from the station to my apartment. Standing by the shelter as a Q34 approached, I raised my hand to signal my intent only to watch the bus continue along Kissena Boulevard. The next stop was not far and a combination of brisk walking, passengers slowly disembarking, and a resolve born partly of frustration allowed me to address the driver face to face.
“Limited?” I ask, wanting to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Local,” he replies.
“Is that not a stop back there?” I repeat the question he seems to be evading.
A pause.
“The bus is full,” the driver offers, looking out the window at his rearview mirror. I look back into the half empty cabin and my inclination to press him further fades.