For several years I used to take the bus to get to work. It's kind of my contribution to the environment. It may seem insignificant, but I still believe that if everyone does their bit, we will be able to solve a host of problems.
I admit, however, that it was not simply out of pure "altruism" towards mother nature that I made this gesture. I like public transport. Whether it's the metro or the bus. I consider it to be a kind of laboratory where you can observe people's behavior as you please. It's not that I regard my fellow human beings as lab rats. Not at all. But it is nonetheless a place where a colorful "fauna" crosses paths.
Some time ago, I was sitting at the very back of the bus. Like I do most of the time anyway. We see everyone or almost get on board and walk around. And then, the youngest will generally take place at the very back rather than staying at the front where we find more elderly or disabled people. In this bus in particular, the benches are all arranged facing forward, a bit like in an intercity bus, and you cannot see either the hands or the thighs of the passengers other than the one who sits in our sides.
At some point, a few stops past where I boarded, a guy in his mid-40s (or maybe a little older) boarded. He walked slowly down the aisle. Our eyes met as he walked away and, as if I had given him an invitation in my thoughts, he came and took his place on the bench, right next to me. Weird! I was just saying to myself when I saw him coming, how handsome he was. In fact, he was not necessarily very handsome, but nevertheless exuded a certain sensuality, an indescribable charisma, almost magnetism if I may say so.
He greeted me with a polite nod, then I replied with a faint, barely audible hello. I don't chat with anyone on the bus. I observe. When someone greets me, I respond. But not more. So we didn't discuss either. And I understood that the discussion would probably have prevented us from living what was to follow...