Then I noticed that a few yards further on the bus had stopped because of heavy traffic. Perhaps it's road works ahead, or traffic lights.
If I ran fast, past the bus stop, and ran further on I'd get to the next bus stop before the bus.
So I ran as fast as my short legs could carry me. Past the bus and then ... the traffic moved again, the bus passed me again, reached the next stop and went on ahead.
I stopped, huffing and puffing out of breath. All that running for nothing. My heart was beating fast in my chest. Just as well. If it was beating fast somewhere else I'd be worried.
I kept walking ahead. But hey ... what's going on. I can see the bus up ahead stopped again. It's been stopped for over five minutes. Perhaps there is a hold-up ahead in the traffic. I'm sure I could catch that bus if I tried once more.
I ran and ran and ran and reached the bus. I waved at the bus driver to indicate I wanted to get on. Of course, he is not allowed to let people on the bus in mid-traffic, so I had to reach the next stop fast. I ran there. The traffic moved. The bus overtook me again. Got to the stop first, saw no one there and moved on.
By the time I reached the bus stop, I was totally out of breath. I was sweating like ... I don't know ... like someone sweating after a long run. I was red in the face. My knees were weak and my legs crying for help. I stayed there for a few minutes to recover.
The bus had gone; and I realised that only a few yards further and I'd be home. The next bus stop is way past my house, so no need to run there.
As I got home, I was totally deflated, disheartened, desolated, dehydrated, and disgusted at having ran all the way for nothing. I could not even think of any other words beginning with D. Apart from dictionary; but I had left that in the office.
I told the family what had happened and was consoled by the fact that I had saved £2.60 bus fare by running after a bus but not catching it.
They said next time I should run after a taxi and save more money.
Do you really have an ad on a bus? Maybe that's Photoshop. :)
ReplyDeleteAha ... how else can I make people know about my book?
DeleteI am also thinking of tattooing ads on bald peoples' heads for a fee.
God bless.
I think bald people would really like that. But how much will they have to pay you?
DeleteNo ... you got it wrong, Sandi. I would pay them as long as they walk the streets without a hat.
DeleteGod bless.
Sorry you missed it but sometimes it is safer to miss it, many an accident can occur chasing after a bus.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Christine. I once nearly killed myself trying to catch a fast moving coach on the highway.
DeleteGod bless.
Victor, laughing at the thought of you running after the bus. You KNOW those bus drivers love to go off and leave us!
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!
Yes Lulu. He noticed when I waved at him that I wanted the bus. But, because he is not allowed to take in people in-between bus stops, he drove off to the next stop, then; instead of waiting for me running as fast as I could, he noticed no one there and drove off again.
DeleteGod bless.
That's one way of getting in your daily exercise requirement :)
ReplyDeleteYes I guess you are right, Chris. Saves money too.
DeleteGod bless you always.
How about "delusional"...there was no bus Victor. It was all in your head...the same bus that your put the advertisement for your books on :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the laughs! I kept seeing in my mind you and your "short legs" chasing a bus 🚌
Blessings My Friend ☺
It was for real, Jan. Honest. Just ask the driver. He'll tell you how he laughed all the way home.
DeleteGod bless you, my friend.
All that running to catch a bus that was never going to stop. Bus drivers in your neck of woods need to be updated on the picking up people protocol, especially running people. Here, all we have to do is go to the end of our driveway and wave. The bus driver told that to us one time and he showed us how to wave just put up your index finger like this and we'll ve glad to stop and get you aboard. The bus stop is actually a short walk from our house but he said, "no need for you to walk when you can wave". Nice bus driver.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful evening, Victor!
That's amazing Bill. So very considered for the bus drivers to accept your wave at the end of the driveway then to wait for you at the bus stop. Here they only pick-up sand drop at the bus stop. If one is in-between bus stop then hard luck. They have to wait for the next bus which comes once a month.
DeleteGood evening to you Bill. God bless you.
What an exercise in frustration! (No pun intended....) I wonder if those drivers don't enjoy their bit of cat and mouse.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right, Mevely. They enjoy playing cat and mouse. Silly really, because they miss out on yet another paying customer.
DeleteGod bless you.
Goodness me, that's one way to add extra exercise into your day!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Yes I know, Jan. After all that running I think I lost 3 ounces in weight.
DeleteGod bless you.
I guessed the ending. : ) You got some good exercise!!
ReplyDeleteYou got to laugh, Happyone. Yes, it was good exercise.
DeleteGod bless always.
Good advice there, at the end from your family. Do let us know how much you save next time!
ReplyDeleteIt depends whether I run after a bus or a taxi, Terri.
DeleteGod bless you always.