I sat comfortably at the bus stop reading a magazine. The seat was made for two but because of COVID-19 and the social distancing regulations, the other riders stood at a distance.
All engrossed in my favorite section of the magazine, I felt a thud. I looked up to see a white young lady sitting next to me. I could hear the loud music emitting from her headphones. I though to myself, why did she choose to sit here and not adhering to the six feet away, especially since I am a stranger? I was upset. I pinched the restrain tighter around my nose. Should I get up? No! I was there first. I was not going to give her that satisfaction. The “black” and “white” thoughts of entitlement floated around my head.
I turned by back towards her. But I was very frustrated because I was uncomfortable. I was not able to focus on my reading. Then, she coughed.😲
I put away the magazine in my bag and got up. Yes, I rather be cautious than resilient. I went further than six feet away from her. Soon after a bus came and she slowly got up her brows furrowed as if in pain. Then, she turned and grabbed a cane that was hidden beside her. She limped to the door and the bus knelt to accommodate her disability.
At that instant, I felt horrible. In my head, I was chastising her about her inconsiderate attitude and her unwillingness to cooperate with regulations. She needed to be seated.
With my fear of catching COVID-19, I was desensitized to others being close to me. A seat made for two was for socializing; a seat made for two was for communicating; a seat made for two was for meeting people. From this experience, I have ressurected the humanity within me. Please remember to be of good cheer and be kind to each other… okisaidit.com