Pop. Pop. Pop.
I sit in the back row of the bus, popping my gum. A man who’s dutifully reading his paper gives me a look. I disregard it and pop my gum even louder than before. In between each pop, I think of the road ahead of me. It's rush hour and there are red lights and accidents and loud sirens…I become lonely again. The sweet taste of my bubble gum becomes unbearable but I continue chewing.
I pop it one last time and the paper man shakes his head in dismay, without looking up. I have the urge to annoy him but I decide against it.
The bus comes to a stop. I get out and no one pays attention as I blow bubbles, carelessly popping them.