Thinking about caretaker, because that happens sometimes too.
Thinking about them bringing a plastic bag on the bus. Just in case. Because their friend isn't feeling great and they need to get home. Maybe their friend is drunk. Maybe they've eaten too much, or something bad. Or just something that disagrees with them. Maybe it's something else.
Either way, thinking about caretaker taking their friend home. Thinking about that plastic bag in their pocket. Thinking about how their friend says they don't need it.
Thinking about caretaker noticing their friend getting greener and greener every time the bus stops to pick up more people. Every time it starts at a green light. Every time it turns.
Thinking about caretaker taking out the bag. Just in case. Thinking about their friend taking it this time.
Thinking about caretaker suggesting they get off at the next stop. Thinking about their friend nodding.
Thinking about a long red light. Thinking about seconds turning into minutes. Thinking about a left turn. Thinking about caretaker's friend gripping the bag hard, raising it to their face.
Thinking about caretaker putting a hand on their back. Thinking about caretaker closing their eyes as the first wave splatters into the bag. Thinking about caretaker rubbing their friends back as they vomit again.
Thinking about caretaker trying not to gag at the smell. Maybe they have a weak stomach. Maybe they too have had a few beers. Maybe they too have eaten from that food truck.
Thinking about caretaker's stomach rolling with every splash of vomit that their friend brings up. Thinking about caretaker being so nauseous now that they can't offer words of comfort anymore, but still keeps rubbing their friend's back.
Thinking about the bus stopping.
Thinking about them just getting off the bus in time for caretaker to double over and throw up on the pavement.


















