My Bus Journey

Stepping into the dimly-lighted bus compartment, I paced myself towards an empty seat located on the second last row of the bus. My sleepy eyes wandered towards the television, hoping that there was interesting news presented by the immaculately dressed Cheryl Fox, a Channel News Broadcasting Cooperation presenter. Disappointed that the highlight of the news was again on terrorism, I peered through the window. A view of a magnificently-built monastery appeared, but it quickly changed into a row of dark and lifeless buildings. My spirit was gone, for I could not get the opportunity to have a closer look at the monastery.

"Hi!" a tall and slender boy with pimpled face turned his head round and smiled. He was the last person I wanted to talk to ashe would disturb me from scrutinising my surroundings and indulge in a meaningless conversation.

The spirits of the passengers were uplifted after our casual talk began. They would observe us with curiosity, as though we had done something sinful, for both of us came from single-sex schools. The girls sitting nearby could not help laughing at our dry conversation topics. Furthermore, it was obvious that the boy was interested in the conversation, while I, having the nonchalant attitude, replied reluctantly monotonous answers to all his questions. Some of the passengers who were middle-age women, gave me pitiful and encouraging nods, expecting me to give better response to the boy. In return, I gace them an innocent smile and turned away, hoping that there was something intriguing I could see.

The bus finally came to a halt. The boy took his backpack, muttered a 'goodbye' to me and alighted from the bus. My depression was finally over. However, the situation of the bus suddenly became uncomfortable. The middle-aged women seemed upset that everything was over and most of them resorted to sleep. Several teens stared lazily at their mobile phones, in hope that loud beep sounds signalling that messages had been received would be heard. My schoolmateds, who made suspicious whispers when I had the conversation with the boy finally muted. A sense of victory surged through me and the bus was again, as lifeless as before.