Bus Driver Mocks Breastfeeding Mom, Realizes Baby Is His Grandson a Minute Later – Story of the Day
Keith observed his son, who was unexpectedly in a wheelchair, greeting a woman who was breastfeeding on his bus after ridiculing her. This vision resurfaced all the distressing memories of his past, including the events that separated him from his family. More than two decades later, this moment served as his signal to eventually rectify his errors.
Keith refrained from feeling an urge to cringe as a young woman with an infant boarded the bus. Babies were excessively unpredictable. They could commence weeping at any moment, and there was nothing more distressing than listening to an infant’s cries during peak rush hour.
The bus was already overcrowded and there was an excessive amount of commotion, as everyone was rushing to return home from work. Fortunately, a male relinquished his seat and permitted the woman to sit with her infant. Keith considered the possibility that this would alleviate the baby’s wailing.
Nevertheless, a minute later, a few small sobs were heard, and he rolled his eyes. He contemplated the road, “Here we go.” However, he abruptly heard a few murmurs, and other passengers began to walk toward the rear of the bus, which was peculiar given how filled it was.
Keith glanced back during a stoplight and observed the woman covering her torso, where her infant was evidently eating. The indecent display she had presented caused his cheek to turn crimson with anger.
“Lady, you are not permitted to do that in this location!” he exclaimed, his eyes expanding in surprise.
“Certainly, I can. I am currently feeding my infant,” she replied without hesitation.
Keith observed the other passengers; however, the majority of them were either looking down or away. Therefore, none of them desired to engage in this altercation. However, he observed a few individuals scurrying about, attempting to evade the woman. He was not the sole individual who experienced discomfort during the journey. He was compelled to continue driving, despite his shaking cranium, as the light turned green.
He began to murmur, “I am astounded by the arrogance of certain individuals. There is no decency in the world today. Children believe they are entitled to the entire world and are not afraid to expose their breasts in the presence of complete strangers.” The words continued to reverberate, becoming increasingly louder.
He observed the woman modifying her cover in the rearview mirror to conceal more of her body, but it was insufficient. He continued to speak to himself and shake his head.
Keith continued, “When did it become the norm to breastfeed in public? As if we don’t have rules in our society! Young people are driving this country into the dirt with their entitlement and disregard for others,” a statement that was now so loud that the woman could not ignore it.
He swiveled to the side and observed two men nodding in accord. One individual participated in the jest, stating, “Women in the past had a certain sense of mystery. Today, they are always exposed and engage in sexual activity with anyone. I bet this individual had a number of baby fathers.”
Keith laughed, but he soon regained his composure. “As I previously stated, there is a complete lack of decency. Where is her husband? Why was she not advised to exhibit some self-respect by anyone in her life? It is revolting,” he concluded, chuckling.
The woman continued to be mocked until she ceased breastfeeding her baby. After a few additional stops, she stood up to exit the bus. Keith gazed at her with a sense of superiority, hoping that he would never encounter the vile woman with no morals on his route again.
However, Keith observed a man in a wheelchair waiting for her when the bus doors opened. He smiled and extended his hands to the infant. The vision of a man waiting to take the infant was unexpected, as he and the other passengers had assumed she was a single mother. Nevertheless, the bus driver’s jaw did not collapse as a result.
It was the man himself who was responsible. Daniel was the individual in question. It was only the second time he had ever encountered him; however, his son was now in a wheelchair. Keith was unable to comprehend the reason or explanation for the inability of the child to walk, who had appeared to be in good health a few years prior.
However, it was genuine, and there was also a baby and a fiancée or wife for Daniel. This implied that Keith’s daughter-in-law was the woman he had disparaged for the previous half hour, and her child was… his grandson.
Keith’s heart was only further broken by his ignorance of either existence. Once more.
Keith was abruptly interrupted from his reverie by a young hoodlum in the rear, who yelled, “Hey! Are you going to sit there and look like an idiot, or are you going to drive, old man?”
He blinked, recognizing that his son and his family had long since departed, and that he was in charge of a vehicle that was packed with individuals who were eager to return home. Consequently, he reversed direction and resumed his journey. He attempted to expel the abrupt moisture from his eyes by blinking numerous times. Nevertheless, it was a challenging task, particularly when the vision of his life from 22 years ago resurfaced in his consciousness, despite his wishes, much like a car accident that is impossible to ignore.
Keith sighed as he arrived at his residence and removed his dirty shoes. They were up all day, attempting to complete a roof, despite the sweltering heat. Laura was in their cramped kitchen, preparing a meal that he had been eagerly anticipating since he had left work.
He smiled as he wobbled toward her, saying, “Honey, that smells so good.”
She dismissed the matter with a dismissive “It’s just spaghetti and sauce from a jar,” but Keith observed the apprehension on her face.
“I am confident that it will be delectable; however, what is the matter?” he inquired, as he opened the refrigerator to retrieve a lager.
She sighed and turned off the cooktop, then pulled some of her hair. “I can’t do it, Keith,” she said.
“What action should be taken?”
Laura stated, “I am already 15 weeks pregnant. I am unable to undergo the abortion.” She leaned against the kitchen counter.
This was the last topic Keith wished to discuss following a long day at work. He whispered, “Laura, I believed we had reached a consensus.” He then chugged his entire beer in a single swallow.
“I understand. However, I am unable to do so. I am too attached to this child to part with it. I apologize for my actions and let out a loud sigh.”
Keith was unsure of what to do. He intended to lodge a complaint, highlighting that they were residing in a one-bedroom apartment on the incorrect side of town due to the fact that it was the only option available to them on their minimum wage. However, he observed her expression and the distress that the prospect of abortion caused.
He was unwilling to engage in combat. He was unsure of how they would be able to rear a child, but he would not press her. He exhaled profoundly and replied, “All right.” “We will simply have to adapt. Individuals in more dire circumstances also have children. If they can devise a solution, we can as well.”
“Really?” she exclaimed, her voice choked with the tears that were streaming down her face. Laura’s diminutive arms encircled him. “Thank you.”
Keith embraced her securely, his mind preoccupied with his predicament. Undoubtedly, there is an improved employment opportunity for him in the vicinity of the metropolis. Something that could assist them in locating a more suitable residence and ensuring the well-being of their infant. He kissed her forehead and assured her, “Do not be concerned, honey. I will devise a solution.”
“Keith! Where have you been, man?” his friend, Mark, greeted him as soon as he entered their favored bar the following night. Keith, who had relocated to Laura’s residence, had diminished his frequency of socializing with Mark, who was a consistent patron.
Mark inquired about the well-being of his girlfriend.
“She is satisfactory,” he acknowledged with a nod. “In fact, that is the subject of my conversation. Is there a way for me to begin collaborating with you?”
Mark’s eyebrows nearly reached his hairline as he retracted. “Really?”
Keith reluctantly replied, “Yes.” “I require immediate financial gain due to Laura’s pregnancy.”
Mark began to scratch his mandible and clicked his tongue. He cautioned, “Well, we do require additional personnel. The boss is… expanding. I could recommend you. However, Keith, this is a serious matter. The leadership is comprised of apprehensive individuals. It is not for the faint of heart.”
Keith asserted, “I am prepared for anything, and you are aware that I have always been adept at working with automobiles.” He was aware of the substantial risks, which is why he had refrained from joining Mark, despite the high-quality clothing, luxurious vehicle, and attractive women.
Mark finally smiled and stroked his shoulder, saying, “That’s cool.” “I will make a few phone calls. Please be prepared.”
Keith adapted to the position more readily than the majority of individuals, despite his initial reluctance. However, the majority would hesitate to abduct and disassemble a vehicle in order to sell its components. Nevertheless, he was able to hotwire one in less than a minute and extract each critical component with precision. The supervisor was astounded, and the funds began to pour in.
He and Laura relocated to a new location within a month of his employment, and they were performing exceptionally well a few months later. Keith had already begun purchasing infant items, and she was overjoyed that they had sufficient space to construct a nursery. He arrived home one evening with an abundance of new clothing and anticipated that Laura would extend embraces and kisses upon his arrival.
Nevertheless, Keith discovered her on the settee, where she was sobbing and clutching her large belly with care. He rushed to her side, kneeling to examine her face. “Laura! Laura! Oh, God! What is happening? Is it the baby? I’ll call 911!”
“No,” she cried as she shook her head. “Keith, the police were just here, asking questions. They were angry and terrifying. They asked about Mark and some Mr. Salieri. Who is that?”
Keith sat back, generating a breath. “You need not be concerned about that, my dear. You simply need to inform them that you are unaware and allow them to proceed.”
Keith, what are you doing to attract the attention of the police?
He responded with a composed yet solemn demeanor, “It is preferable that you remain unaware.”
Fresh tears streamed down her face as she exclaimed, “God!” “Are you affiliated with a gang? Are you associated with…mobsters?”
Keith’s laughter was devoid of amusement. “Laura, you need not be concerned about that. Please remain composed. The doctors have advised you to relax, and the baby could be born at any moment.”
Keith, I am unable to remain complacent in the face of your actions. She wept. “What if you are apprehended? What will happen to me if you are convicted of…?”
“You and I will not be affected,” he reassured. “Everything is under my control.”
Laura’s attention was drawn to her and his concerns, but her condemnation was most prominent. she murmured, shaking her head and wiping the damp streaks from her face. “Famous last words,” she added.
Keith finally stood, exasperated. “Damn it, Laura! Can’t you see that I had to do this? I had to bring more money. I have paid in cash for everything we have, including doctor’s appointments. I’m doing this for our family. I thought you would understand!”
“You were not obligated to become a criminal.”
He hissed, “No other job in town was sufficient. You ceased working months ago. We would have perished without this job.”
Laura begged, “Fine, but it’s time to leave. We have enough. I will take care of the baby, find employment, and we can continue as if nothing has happened. The police are searching for you and Mark. It’s a serious matter now.”
Keith said, “It was always serious,” and he chuckled without humor. “I am unable to leave. Who will be responsible for the baby while you are at work? We do not have any family, and hiring a nanny would be prohibitively expensive if I did not have this position.”
Keith, we are unable to rear this child in the presence of the threat of law enforcement and worse, who may come to our home seeking retribution. She continued to rub her belly. “All I desired was for us to have a comfortable home in which to raise a healthy family.”
“You require money for that!” he exclaimed.
“YOU CAN MAKE MONEY SOMEWHERE ELSE!” she exclaimed, attempting to rise but ultimately settling back down and blinking her eyes. “Oh my God!”
Keith again reduced his voice and knelt, asking, “What?”
Laura employed her Lamaze breathing technique to exhale, “Nothing. He simply delivered a forceful kick.”
Keith observed the facial anguish and perspiration on her forehead and concluded that she was correct. He said quietly, “Look, honey. I have this significant job coming up. The kind that could establish us for life. I can’t give up like this when I finally have the opportunity to provide for my family. Our son will have everything we never had.”
Laura gazed at him with disappointment. “I have heard stories. These men are dangerous. My baby and I need to be safe. He doesn’t need everything you’re getting. But most importantly, he doesn’t need to be involved with the kind of people you’re dealing with. Please.”
He shook his head, “You are watching an excessive number of movies. There is no need for concern.”
“No, you are not sufficiently concerned. If you deviate from the established course, we may be killed. If you do not withdraw from this assignment at this time, it will only deteriorate. The demands they are making today will be even more severe in the future. You will never be able to escape.”
“Laura, this is my opportunity! I will not return to the menial minimum-wage jobs when I can provide our children with financial stability. I can save for his college education, purchase a spacious home, and have a large family,” he emphasized. “I am now respected by others. I was previously unrecognized. I am now able to wear suits and am admired by others. I am a true man. This is a significant improvement. I used to feel insignificant, but now I am a significant figure to Mark and Mr. Salieri. It will only continue to improve.”
“I am unable to have a large family with you in this manner. You are not the man I loved,” she continued, gazing downward.
Keith uttered a few expletives. “You cannot have been so naive. Do you believe that a construction job would have provided all of this? You enjoyed it and have abused the money. I will continue to do this regardless of your feelings.”
“Either you resign and prioritize your family, or I am departing and raising this child independently,” she stated, her lips firmly closed as she gazed into his eyes.
Keith’s voice was low and bordering on ominous as he declared, “I am not leaving this, and you are not departing.” He then examined his timepiece. “I must leave. Please do not answer the door to the police!”
Laura awkwardly rose from the sofa, demanding, “Please return; we have not yet concluded our conversation.”
Keith abruptly exited the room without a word, closing the front door behind him.
Keith was in a foul mood following his disagreement with Laura, and the work he completed last night was challenging. However, it is hoped that she had had the opportunity to reflect and recuperate. She was required to observe the ways in which his occupation was beneficial to them and would secure their son’s future.
“Honey,” he cried out upon his arrival at his residence. Laura was a morning person, despite the fact that it was still early. “I have returned home. I am eager to converse with you, my dear. Although the previous evening was quite heated, I am eager for us to maintain a positive relationship.”
After receiving no response, he proceeded to their bedroom, where he wondered whether she was still asleep and ill. However, he was disappointed to find that it was vacant. There was no significant issue, with the exception of a minor crack in the wardrobe door. Keith observed that it was open and proceeded to investigate, despite its apparent insignificance.
Wrapped in their vestments, the majority of her new clothing remained in position. It was not only infant items that he had acquired. Laura was also entitled to some pampering. However, Keith discovered that her underwear was missing after opening a compartment in the closet.
He turned to the room and proceeded to the bedside table. It was devoid of any contents. Her personal belongings were missing. His gym knapsack was missing. The nursery appeared to be immaculate during the preparation process; however, several onesies were absent.
He panicked as he hurried to the living room, calling out, “Laura!” No response was received once more.
She had vanished.
He reiterated “No, no, no, no, no…” incessantly as he paced around their serene and immaculate apartment.
They did not have many acquaintances who could provide assistance; however, Mark or the rest of the team may have been able to locate her. However, he was unable to contact them due to his busy schedule.
KNOCK, KNOCK!
A man shouted and continued to knock on the door, demanding, “Police! Open the door, Mr. Ryan. We know you’re in there!” “We have a warrant for your arrest. There is no point in resisting.”
Keith exclaimed, “Argh!” as he recognized that there was no way out.
The district attorney charged him with offenses he did not commit and threw the book at him after his arrest. He was, however, associated with the perpetrators, and the magistrate was skeptical. He was sentenced to a term of 20 years.
Nevertheless, he was granted parole at the age of 15 for his excellent behavior. Following that, he refrained from returning to either Mark or Mr. Salieri. Laura had not visited or contacted him in years, and his sole objective was to locate her. Keith was interested in learning about the well-being of their son and her.
Ultimately, he located their residence and executed the instructions he had jotted down on a piece of paper. It directed him to a suburban region. The picturesque scene of mothers watering their yards and children pedaling bicycles, as well as the stunning houses, were both surprising and delightful. This is precisely what he intended to offer them.
He expressed his satisfaction that Laura had been able to secure such an existence for herself and their son, despite his own problems. Keith began to sweat in anticipation of finally reuniting with his family as he approached the house where they seemed to reside.
Nevertheless, a vehicle passed him and halted in the driveway. A briefcase and everything were carried by a well-dressed male. Keith frowned and returned his attention to the piece of paper. Did I make an error in my writing? He was perplexed, but their mailbox displayed the identical number.
Keith’s heart beat rapidly and a smile began to form as he gazed up at the shout, “Dad!”
However, he was not receiving any calls. A adolescent dashed from the front door to the man’s vehicle, opened the trunk, and retrieved a few grocery bags. The man arrived to provide assistance, and they exchanged smiles while discussing an issue that Keith was unable to hear.
Laura emerged from the doorway before he could take any action or notify them of his presence. She jokingly requested, “Guys, hurry up! I have to begin preparing dinner.”
The boy urged his father, “Let’s go, Dad! Mom’s making lasagna tonight!” The man smiled. “It is imperative that we act promptly to intercept the game.”
The man and Daniel both ran inside and made several trips back to the car before finally closing the door. “You’re right, Daniel. Let’s hurry,” he laughed.
Keith’s frozen contemplation of the scenario was not observed by either party. He had never anticipated that Laura would find another man, despite the fact that she had left him. He was unaware of his son’s name until his new father announced it.
Daniel appeared to be in good health, cheerful, and flourishing. He was equally attractive, despite the fact that he only caught a fleeting glimpse of Laura before she returned indoors.
The child and his father were observed applauding for a team through the window as the sound of a television game emanated from their residence. This was a private and delightful family occasion that did not involve him.
Keith soon realized that it was getting late as the street lights began to illuminate. Ultimately, his heart was shattered into minuscule fragments, and he turned and walked away. Their disposition was cheerful. They did not require him. It is possible that they never did.
Keith discreetly concluded his route for the evening, his mind reeling from the agonizing recollections. It had been approximately seven years since that moment in front of their house, and the mere thought of it caused him to experience another heartbreak.
However, circumstances were distinct. Despite noting that his son was in a wheelchair and had a family, he had seen him in ideal health years prior. What transpired with him? Keith pondered, aware that he had no entitlement to concern himself.
He should have attempted to establish communication; however, the unpleasantness of witnessing another man being addressed as “Dad” was too much for him. Keith’s sole concern thereafter was the reconstruction of his life, despite the scarcity of employment opportunities for ex-convicts. He had an apartment and a bus-driving job that was satisfactory.
However, the absence of his life was immediately apparent, as he was unaware that his son had contracted an illness or injury. It was an understatement to assert that he regretted his decision to walk away and never reach out. Every day, he harbored feelings of self-hatred toward himself. Additionally, he was too timid to take any action since that time.
Would Keith permit the situation to regress at this time? Or would he eventually summon the courage to confront his son and ascertain the circumstances? After a few days, he was aware of the answer and proceeded to the same address, in the hopes that Laura was still present.
He remained in his vehicle for an excessive amount of time, delivering a self-motivational speech. As a result, someone became concerned. He was stunned by a knock on his side window.
Keith rolled down the window, and an older woman yelled, “Hey! Who are you? If you don’t leave, I’ll call the police!”
Keith raised his hands. “I apologize, madam. I am apprehensive about ringing the doorbell.”
She continued by placing her palms on her waist and asking, “What doorbell?”
“I need to speak with Laura, and I haven’t seen her in years,” he explained.
“Oh,” the woman’s furious expression dissipated as she clasped her hands together. “Are you present to assist Laura?”
Keith grimaced as he replied, “Yes?”
She softened her tone, saying, “Dear, that implies that you are unaware.”
“What do you know?”
The elderly woman continued, her hands kneading together in concern, “Laura and her husband passed away last year.” “Currently, their son, his wife, and their infant reside there.”
Keith’s eyeballs protruded from their sockets. He exhaled rapidly, “What? NO! What transpired?”
The elderly woman continued, “Daniel was fortunate to survive the car accident due to his position in the rear. However, he is currently confined to a wheelchair.” “It is so disheartening. I witnessed the boy’s development. Their family was so lovely, and the baby will no longer have the opportunity to know his wonderful grandparents.”
Keith eventually exited the vehicle after looking away from her. He murmured to the woman, “Thank you for informing me,” and proceeded to the front door. He was aware that it was time to take action after learning about the extent of his son’s losses, despite his apprehension.
He squared himself and exhaled deeply before raising his fist to strike. Daniel smiled as he rolled his wheelchair closer, and the door opened a few seconds later. “Are you sure?”
What lessons can be derived from this narrative?
Your existence will be determined by the decisions you make. Keith ought to have heeded Laura’s advice and resigned long before it was too late. He was sentenced to prison and lost his family as a result of his actions.
It is never too late to rectify your errors. While it is impossible to alter the past, it is possible to envision the future and strive to be a better person for those you cherish.
