*Pushing into the wind the bus station soon appears a few blocks away. This bus stations doesn’t usually have a lot of traffic. Not too many people ride the bus anymore. Everyone has a car, or flies. That’s part of the reason why I take the bus. You don’t have to talk with the people on the bus, don’t have to go through metal detectors and don’t have to show 2 forms of ID.

So I get a ticket for the bus that leaves in less than an hour now, and even though I knew there would be a seat for me I always get a bit anxious… wondering what I’d do if they were full. So really, the challenge of this morning is over. Just have to wait here for a few minutes, get on, and I made it. (again)

Waiting around the buss, watching a dad kiss his young son on the forehead before he walks up the steps into the bus. They both have done this before. Little Billy must be going back to his mom, after the obligatory weekend with dad. Maybe I’ll get to meet Billy’s mom, on the other end.

And as Billy disappears into the bus it seems like time to do the same; so up the steps I plod. (only holding onto a small day pack that breaks off my main pack) A little further down the aisle a passing glance allows me to enjoy Billy’s love for his dad. He’s already at a window near the front pressing his face to the window in a ritualistic goodbye. Smashed nose, lips and forehead ensure that dad will be there next weekend.

I find a seat and slide into the window seat myself. My little pack sitting on my lap, strap twisted around my arm. I recline my unreserved seat and finally drift off to anonymous sleep.