I tried to take the bus to work this morning. Usually I arrive at the bus stop 45 seconds too late, and I watch from across the street as the bus drives off to the next stop on the line. But today I was 2 minutes early! When I reached the stop, I checked the bus tracker app on my phone only to discover that the bus was 15 minutes behind schedule. At this point I decided I had two options: 1) continue waiting in the feels-like-minus-5F cold or 2) pick an intersection that I think is a 15 minute walk away and try to beat the bus there.
Like any sane person, I picked option #2.
So I set off walking. I pass several bus stops on the way, and the only bus I see is driving the opposite direction. Finally I see the finish line: a traffic light controlled intersection barely outside of downtown. I check the time and see that about 20 minutes have passed. I pick up the pace, knowing that every second the bus is gaining on me. 20 sidewalk squares left … 15 … 10. At this point I hear squeaking beside me. I look to my left, and it’s the bus slowing down for the red light at my imaginary finish line. I was so close! As the bus slowly passed by me, I realized that I was going to lose this race. I had 5 sidewalk squares left, but the light was already green and the bus was accelerating down the street. As I took the last few steps into second place, I hung my head and promised myself a rematch.
I’ll beat you next time, bus.
