The bus of shame

May 25, 2007

I frequently take the Lucena-Manila bus route, which takes about three to four hours. On long rides like this, I have this habit of emptying my pockets of everything—coins, cellphone and all—and putting them in my bag so I could sit comfortably and ride out the trip with minimal fuss. So there I was on such a trip, when the bus stopped at a way station so the passengers could relieve themselves. So I went. Walking back I saw my bus leave. What the fuck?! I tried to run after it but to no avail. Damn, I was in trouble—my phone, all my money was in my bag and I left in the bus! I sprang into action and looked for another bus from the same company as my ride, and going to the same route as mine.

I scrambled up to the driver and implored, “mama, kaya niyo bang habulin yung bus na yon, naiwanako nandun yung bag ko, wala akong ipapamasahe sa inyo.” The driver said no, there was no way he could catch up with the bus. I asked if they had a radio. He said no they didn’t, quite annoyingly. Right then I just found myself slumping on one of the chairs when I noticed a bag similar to mine down the aisle.

It took me almost a full minute to realize that it was indeed my bag, that the bus I thought had left me was in fact another bus, and I was exactly in my bus! I looked around me and could see the other passengers giving me curious looks. Well, I fucking ignored them. Bahala kayo, matutulog ako!

SENDER: DENNIS, by email
ILLUSTRATION: MIKKE GALLARDO