HONORABLE MENTION 2: Bus Ride

By Kerry Chapman

Jan 28, 2009 at 6:00 am

Smith: I’m lost.

Jones: Where ya going?

Smith: I don’t remember.

Jones: Where ya from?

Smith: You sure do ask a lot of personal questions.

Jones: Hey man, I’m just trying to help. You ask me. I don’t have to tell you anything.

Ding. Ding. (Ten seconds or so pass)

 

Smith: Where you going?

Jones: I don’t think that’s any of your business.

Smith: Maybe where you’re going is where I’m going. If you told me where you were going maybe it would help me with my problem.

Jones: Your problem is not my problem.

Smith: How do you know? How do you know that helping me find my way won’t in some way benefit you?

Jones: What would benefit me is if you would figure things out on your own. Quietly. Without my help. I am not responsible with helping you find your way.

Ding. Ding. (Ten seconds or so pass)

 

Jones: Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s been a long day. How can I help? I want to help.

Smith: Aw, no problem. You’re right. It’s my own deal to figure out where I’m headed. I can’t expect no stranger to point the way.

Jones: Well, if you were to just give me a little more information maybe I could help. Maybe if you talked about where you’re coming from it would help you figure out where it is you’re trying to go.

Smith: Oh. So by telling you where I’ve been maybe I’ll figure out on my own where I’m going.

Jones: Maybe.

Ding. Ding. (Ten seconds or so pass)

 

Smith: I’m embarrassed. I don’t like where I’ve been.

Jones: Then you’re going the right way.

Smith: Hmnn. I see what you mean. Thanks. ’preciate the help.

Jones: No problem.