NIGHT BUS
After
Dave vanished, George was alone and scared – rough sleeping was dangerous. He
was huddled in his doorway when a bus stopped and a voice called, “Free ride,
mate?”
Bright lights
obscured its destination but George stepped aboard into welcoming warmth. The
door snapped shut, leaving his belongings outside, but Dave emerged from the
misty interior and handed him a bottle. “Wondered when you’d be along.”
George
drank deep, tasting strange flavours. “Have you been here all this time?”
“All what
time?” Dave’s voice was vague, his eyes empty.
George turned
to get off, but the bus was already moving.
...............................................................................................
Wonderfully mysterious. I'm betting that's a trans-dimensional bus
ReplyDeleteBut is George right to be nervous?
DeleteA sad story, especially for this time of year. A t least he was reunited with Dave.
ReplyDeleteThere is that, but where are they headed?
DeleteThe ride might be ok, but I sure don't want to reach that destination... but then, I guess he will be warm.
ReplyDeleteWarm, yes, but at what cost?
DeleteOy vey!
ReplyDeleteDoes that mean oh gosh?
DeleteWill this end well? Maybe, maybe not.
ReplyDeleteI wonder? Make up your own ending!
DeleteDave's empty eyes don't bode well for the future. Scary stuff.
ReplyDeleteHe's on something, definitely.
DeleteLike a Tardis with a fully stocked bar.... of zombifying drinks!
ReplyDeleteIf you like that sort of thing!
DeleteHe has been lulled by the heat and the beverage... now we need to worry where they end up.
ReplyDeleteI sure don't mind the supposed repetition ;)
Thanks, Dale. Dave seems happy enough but George isn't so sure.
DeleteIt's not looking good for either of them. I'm hoping they're on their way to a better place, but it doesn't seem so.
ReplyDeleteWe can only hope for the best.
DeleteMy interpretation is that they have both died. But somehow it's not sad because they are embarking on a new journey together. Nicely done, and I don't think it matters at all that you've reworked an old story - I do it all the time! :)
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Your interpretation occurred to me too, Susan, but in fact I have never decided on an ending.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteThe question i have is who actually disappeared? Mysterious. Not to worry about reruns. I'll be posting some with the impending holidays upon us and a new novel in the works.
Shalom,
Rochelle
The back story is that Dave simply vanished one night from his usual haunts, leaving George friendless. Then the bus picks up George later and they are reunited. Good luck with the novel.
Deletehe was obviously taken for a ride. :)
ReplyDeleteHeehee - very clever!
DeleteA mysterious tale which makes me wonder where the bus was headed and what happened to Dave in his absence. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIt would appear Dave was quite content with whatever happened.
DeleteAn intriguing tale which has several possible interpretations. I'd ike to think it was a happy ending but I'm not so sure.
ReplyDeleteHere's mine!
I'm not sure either!
DeleteI don't think he's ever getting off.
ReplyDeleteI don't think he can!
Delete