Gender: Male
Height: Over 6ft
Route: Eastleigh - CBD
That's it.
That's all I have.
I am looking for this man. I know it is not much to go with, but it is a start.
I was on my way to work, worried I was going to be late having snubbed a few matatus on account of their being full. I do not like standing in matatus; not only is it against the law, but unsafe too. I also find it disrespectful to the seated passengers who sometimes have to contend with a stranger's butt on their faces. Please, wait for one that has empty seats...or just walk.
So this No.6 pulls up and I ask the conductor;
"Kuna kiti?"
"Ingia ukae. Viti ziko." He says with a smile.
Side Note: I never trust them when they say this. You are hardly in and the bus starts moving. Your inquiring eyes meet pale, uninspired faces as you seek an empty seat. There is none. You look back at the conductor and ask,
"Si ulisema kuna viti?"
"Madam si viti ndio hizi ndani ya gari. Ni vile tu zimekaliwa. Watu wanashuka hapo mbele utakaa. Tulia." He retorts as he calls out for more passengers. It is an old tired joke, and one I don't appreciate hearing in the morning.
Back to my guy up there. I ask him if he's sure.
There is a seat at the back. Not the most prized seat, but it is unoccupied, and I am running late. It is a tight squeeze, only a quarter of my butt fits.
He is standing there looking at me. I take that as a signal to have my fare ready for collection. A couple of people get off at the next stop. I move further upfront to a more comfortable seat as more passengers file in. This was the last stop. The bus does not stop again until we are in the CBD. He shuts the door and starts collecting fare from the new entrants. When he gets to my seat, he looks at the twenty shillings coin I am holding out and moves along. Maybe he did not see it? Has the fare been increased? I tap him on his way back.
"Umelipiwa." He says and moves swiftly to his spot at the front. He smiles at my confused face and continues counting his money.
The notorious globe roundabout traffic makes the usual ten minute ride twenty. As I alight, I try to pay again.
"I paid for you. Remember? Have a nice day." That charming smile again.
I thank him and run off to catch my next bus.
I didn't see him for another week. I was not looking out for him anyway.
He shows up on a Friday and again, does not let me pay; letting me know that as long as I am in his matatu, he would not allow it. And so it went on. I was sometimes embarrassed and disappointed with myself that I let him get away with it, but there were days I was just grateful. Thankful that I was able to save that twenty shillings too.
At first, my guard went up. I know (or have heard of) these type of men and I was not going to entertain him; but with time, I saw that he was genuine. He would always say "goodmorning" and "have a nice day." Sometimes, I got a compliment on my get up. That was it. There were no sexual innuendos with him. He never made reference to my body. He was just kind. I found it unusual, especially in this industry where both parties never find it necessary to be civil with one another.
Then I never saw him again.
It has been over a year. There are days while waiting at the bus stop, I find myself hoping that he will be in the next bus that stops. I pray it happens soon. I want to ask his name and maybe thank him for all those free rides.
I know what this sounds like. No, I did not fall for Mr. Nice Guy, but he sure left a mark. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. I hope the same goodness he showed me, and mercy, followed him wherever he is.
Be good to someone today.
Be good to someone today.
#RandomSentimentalPost #Day6WritingChallenge
