Manners

A woman sat down beside me today. The bus was crowded and cold. She was small and timid, Much less young than old. I smiled politely, As we're all taught to do. She said "Why are you smiling? I didn't speak to you." I said, "Manners, you ever heard of those?" She looked undaunted, and just ruffled her nose. "Noone asked you to smile, be polite or talk. I thought I wouldn't be bothered, I should have just walked." I said, "I'm sorry mam. Can I help you somehow?" She grunted a "no" and dropped her brow. I wasn't giving up, I thought she needed a friend. I said," I'll get you some coffee if we get off together." "I don't want your coffee, or your chit-chat kid, I just rode the bus to get out of the weather. Leave me alone, all you kids are no good. You're all a waste of time! I hate all you brats, Mind your business not mine! Having read dozens of books with the "mean old lady" cliche' I never really got it until my bus ride today.