"Take My Seat," by Marziya S.

I’ve been sitting in the same seat about 23 stops ago,

My commute is long, but music gets me through the day

I sit and look around at everyone, feeling a sense of sonder and imagining what people go through everyday.

So many people can have the same exact lifestyle without either of us being aware.

While wondering, the bus slammed the brakes, interrupting my thoughts.

The whole bus shook, as an elderly woman almost fell.

Usually, I am someone who notices events like this unfold very slowly in my mind,

But something really caught my attention this time,

Which then caused me to catch her before she hit the ground.

It was a sweet old lady, whose age ranged at about 65-70.

She had a wide tote bag that carried all her vegetables from grocery shopping. 

This behavior made me realize that I have saved her from many other disastrous outcomes.

I initiated her to take my seat, as she smiled from ear to ear and put her groceries on her lap.

The entire ride I stopped thinking about what other people might be thinking

I was only focused on what I had done just now,

And only that until I exited off the bus with one last smile to her.