There are stories that do not leave you indifferent… We invite you to read another story that will touch you. Mary, an elderly woman, climbs the steps of the bus with difficulty, as her fragile body makes it difficult for her. At the moment when she needed help the most, she felt a strong hand grab her elbow and support her. But when she turned around to show her gratitude, her smile quickly turned to embarrassment. The hand belonged to Timothy, a tall, thin man who looked like a homeless person and unkempt. Instinctively, Mary pulled her arm back and said stiffly, “Thank you.” Timothy just smiled sadly. He was used to rejection, but that did not change who he was.
When he saw Mary taking up two bus seats, he remembered his own mother, who would also have been ashamed to see him like that. Timothy went to the back of the bus and sat alone. Leaning back with his eyes closed, Timothy thought of his daughter Daisy. He couldn’t stop thinking about how she held on to him even after their lives had fallen apart. Two years earlier, his wife Valery had learned she had stage four cancer. Despite spending all her money on treatments, Valery died, leaving Timothy devastated.
After Valery’s death, Timothy’s world fell apart. He lost his job because of his frequent absences to care for her and had to sell their house to pay off the debts. He and Daisy moved into a run-down one-bedroom apartment in a dilapidated building. Soon after, child welfare services took Daisy away, deeming the conditions inadequate. Now homeless, Timothy’s only consolation was a bus ticket to visit his daughter in her home.
Timothy was jolted from his thoughts by the loud, mocking voice of a teenager. “Look here, driver! This lady should pay for TWO tickets,” the boy slurred, obviously drunk, pointing his finger at Mary. His friend joined in, mocking her for taking up two seats. Mary clutched her purse, shaking, while the other passengers looked away, unwilling to help. The first teen punched Mary in the chest and ordered her to leave her seat. Despite the fear, Mary lifted her chin and said calmly, “Young man, there are plenty of other free seats.” But the second teen was not satisfied. He came closer, his breath reeking of alcohol, and he insisted that Mary give up her seat.
