Get On the Bus and Go Home

Trebor watches one bus fill up like somebody shoving their socks into an already packed underwear drawer. He waits less than five minutes before the second bus arrives. Although the raffle prize still stokes his curiosity, he’s committed to the bus. However, he underestimated how many people are congregated with him because as the other bus pulls up and opens its doors, it is close to capacity before Trebor can get in. No matter, he sees an empty step in the bus and climbs on. The door closes on him and he is sandwiched between sweaty teenagers and the door. Why this is considered safe, he doesn’t care. He just wants to get home at this point. 

The bus goes a few blocks east and pulls into a bus stop even though nobody requested the stop. There is no way we can fit any other people onto this bus, he thinks.

The bus comes to a complete stop and doors open. “Everyone please exit the bus,” says the driver. Trebor overhears the driver explain to somebody that the bus needs maintenance. “Are you serious?” 

The next bus arrives and somehow, everyone fits on the bus but Trebor. His mode of transportation departs and he stands at an eerily empty stop all alone.

Trebor says to himself. “I’m 25 minutes away from home by bus.” Trebor looks at his CTA app and doesn’t see another bus coming for another fifteen minutes which will extend his commute time. If he tries to walk home now, it’ll take him another 45 minutes. 

He also feels like the target of an abduction standing there alone. Maybe he can reduce being a target by moving. Maybe it’s in his head. 

What should Trebor do?

(Choose below)