I wake up, my body still sore from being hit by a car last month. I’m tired of speaking to police officers, medical professionals, and insurance agents. I don’t want to talk to anyone today. I just want to be left alone, but I make myself get out of bed and go to school.
I step outside, but as I cross the street, my heart rate accelerates. I quicken my pace until I’m on the sidewalk again.
A few minutes later, I reach the bus stop. I don’t have to wait long. I pay my fare and make eye contact with the bus driver. He smiles before opening his mouth.
“Hey.”
I freeze, not expecting him to acknowledge me. I don’t know what to say, so I dip my head and walk to the back of the bus.
I spend the bus ride running through the unexpected interaction in my head. At last, I come up with a plan. When the bus reaches my destination, I’ll approach the driver. I could say thank you. I could ask him how he is doing. I could tell him to have a good day.
It’s only when I see everyone else standing up and heading towards the doors that I realize we’ve reached the last stop on this route. I rise from my seat and walk towards the bus driver. I glance up at him. He says something before I can.
I freeze again, realizing I didn’t hear what he said. He’s looking at me, waiting for a reply. A smile reaches his eyes. For the first time since being hit by a car, a smile reaches mine.
—————————-
Herminia can be found on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerminiaChow