Get Off The Bus

One of my first bus experiences living in the city...I was a college freshman, working for the UW Daily newspaper, and had to ride downtown to cover some boring city council meeting.

Afterward, I was trying to figure out how to get home, feeling stressed and overwhelmed. I didn't know any of the bus routes, and stumbled on the first one that seemed vaguely familiar. I had no idea where I was.

"Does this go to the U-District?"

"Yep," said the driver, a surly looking guy with long dreadlocks. I showed him my U-Pass, which was supposed to give me a free ride on any bus, any time. "You know that's expired," he said.

He was right. I had forgotten to change the sticker for the new quarter of classes and had no money on me to pay the fare. Being inexperienced in the ways of Metro, I immediately started to panic.

"Oh, I'm sorry, um..." I gurgled

"GET OFF THE BUS!" He yelled.

I was mortified. All my words choked in my throat.

"...when we get to the U-District," he finished calmly, and started to drive away with a mild smirk on his face.