Angel On Bus

It is easier to go downtown nowadays as compared to the past.

Definitely. DUH.

With the completion of the Taman Perling – Danga Bay stretch of road, the journey downtown would be less time-wasting. At least the compelling, offensive traffic congestion at Jalan Skudai would be avoided.

However, many could not deny the charm of the good ol’ public transport system of public bus.

Even though the prospect of speeding down the road with an exhilarating speed would have made Alvin Peh salivate, he nevertheless appreciates a journey downtown on a bus once in a while. You might not understand the lure of taking a public bus but, Alvin is certainly fascinated by it.

Imagine sitting in a metal box with strangers all around you. You either stare out of the window hoping to see something special, or you chat with the person next to you.

Alvin does both.

Thus far, he has seen the beauty and ugly of Malaysians while on the bus. Road bullies, inconsiderate drivers and Rempit individuals make up the ugly side of the citizens, while touching tales of schoolchildren helping a blind man cross the road was something that has made Alvin see hope in the future for Malaysia.

At least the Moral Studies classes in school were a success after forcing students to remember the countless moral values.

Besides that, Alvin chats all the time to kill boredom. Other than chatting to the mak ciks asking them about their day, he too spends time talking to teenagers his age talking about random issues such as the Malaysian football team, government policies and almost everything that happened around the world.

These chatting sessions actually helped build Alvin’s communications skills, thus forming the present Dr. Alvin who was always praised for his ability to communicate efficiently with his patients.

However, whenever he’s having a holiday at his hometown of Johor Bahru, he would always find time to go downtown for a cup of tea with his classmates of yore.

Today was one of those days.

Alvin’s mother fetched him to the nearest bus stop (awww just like the good old days) and in his hand he held the already prepared fare of exactly RM2.50 in coins.

It was quite a joy standing at the bus stop reminiscing about the past. About the time a bird excreted on Ivan’s bag; about the time the old gang had ice creams as they waited for the bus.

Now you understand the lure public bus taking held over Alvin. There were memories he and his friends would remember till the end of time in it.

An elderly man was waiting for the bus as well and Alvin wasted no time in engaging him in a talk. The weather, the new developments in Johor Bahru, the Raya holidays. It was a pleasant chat.

The bus arrived in no time at all. Once on the bus, Alvin selected a window seat and proceeded to look out of the window. He had left his home so long; he almost couldn’t recognize the place the bus was passing through!

The bus filled up gradually as it drove along its usual route. People were going downtown to celebrate the upcoming Raya holidays. There was quite a joyous atmosphere on the bus, with the radio playing lighthearted Raya songs and people chatting happily.

As the bus stopped by a shopping mall, an old lady climbed up the stairs, her hands laden with heavy plastic bags. Being impregnated with the thirty six Moral values since his primary school days, Alvin leapt out immediately and flashed a friendly smile towards the old lady.

He beckoned at her cheerily but realized she was having difficulties moving her groceries. So, he walked towards her to help.

He had barely taken a step towards her when a man, in his mid-twenties, took his seat.

So furious he was, he wanted to roar and fight with that insolent man. 
So incensed he was, he wanted to confront that atrocious man.
So enraged he was, he wanted to let the monster inside him run amuck on that impertinent beast of a man.

A woman sitting next to him grabbed his hand and flashed a warning look at him. She jumped up from her seat and called out to the old woman, ‘Auntie, have my seat please!’

What a heartwarming scene.

If only all Malaysians would ditch the Third World mindset for the more prudent First World attitude.

The old lady smiled gratefully at her and took up the offer.

At that instantaneous moment, a dazzling light illuminated the woman who gave up her seat to the old lady.

She is one of the most beautiful women Alvin has ever seen and, it wasn’t from the physical aspect.

It was her heart. Her heart of exquisite gold. One so rare that many people fail even to see one in their entire lifetime.

Alvin left the bus before he reached his station. The invaluable kindness shown by the woman was so beautiful he was sure she was an angel.

This is why Alvin likes to take the public bus, even though it is a hassle. On one trip he managed to be awestruck by the beauty, and stunned by the ugly of Malaysians. However, when there is a sparkle of light in darkness, hope will always be present.

The inconsiderate man will reap what he had sowed; and the thoughtful woman has definitely planted the seed of kindness in the hearts of the other passengers.

All is not lost yet.