Day 7: Write a story that takes place entirely on the bus or train when you’re commuting to work “Night Moves”

Bus Ride by Mark Zilberman, flickr

I had lost my alimony, the pandemic being what it is, the source of my income having passed. I sold everything, including my car, furniture, and almost all possessions. I managed to find night work as a turndown attendant for Hilton. I managed to put a roof over my head, but just. I now qualified for low-income housing.

On my first bus ride into work, I sat near the back, hoping to avoid passengers peopling rows on their return journeys home, their night jobs at Disney and surrounding theme parks.

But then, wouldn’t you know who climbed aboard: a repairman for my former apartment. It was the kind of apartment you had to be wealthy to afford or the kind of apartment you could afford because the wealthy person to whom you had been attached was legally obligated to pay for your service as a mother. Tony had become overly friendly during those last few months of my residence. Water had flooded into my hallway and soaked the carpet. He spent as much time flirting as trying to solve an increasingly dire issue. He asked me if I wanted to get a massage with him and went so far as to touch my back.

I pulled my jacket hood up and rang the bell to get off. I had managed to avoid him. One more month to find another job. One more month until eviction.