There is always the same group of regular passengers. The bus driver and the passengers acted routinely with due care and attention, as if they were cooperating in a team. The driver should perform his duties well and the passengers should obey the written and unwritten rules. There should be no smoking, no littering, and everyone should behave in a polite and decent manner. Under such circumstances, names are no longer important.
3) What can we learn about the silent woman from Para. 5?
The silent woman always sits up front and never responds to others‘ greetings. Her worn clothing suggests that she is not rich. However, she is considerate enough to bring the bus driver a cup of coffee each time she takes the bus ride.
4) Why does the factory security guard always slump down in his seat with his eyes closed?
He has just come off a long night shift and he feels sleepy and tired.
5) Why was the bus very late one Sunday morning?
On that morning a regular passenger collapsed on the sidewalk as he was moving forward to board the bus. The other passengers tried to help him and waited with him for an ambulance to arrive.
6) What do you know about the Mexican couple?
The Mexican couple love each other very much. They always board the bus hand in hand and are still holding hands when they get off the bus. The woman was pregnant late last year and now they have a new baby. All the regular passengers feel happy for the young Mexican couple.
7) Why do the passengers enjoy the company of a group of Haitians?
The Haitians have a great sense of fun. The passengers are all delighted to have their company. They always chuckle and nod when the Haitians are all aboard.
8) Why is the woman who sits up front always silent?
She has a speech impediment. Talking is hard for her.
9) What do you know about the silent woman‘s family life?
She is a single mother with a disabled son who is receiving special care away from home. She lives alone and feels lonely and misses her son very much. The Sunday-morning bus ride is the best thing she does all week, and an occasional visit to the fish restaurant is almost as good as the second best thing. She rides the Sunday-morning bus simply for the companionship of the driver whose name she doesn't know, but who appreciates the hot coffee she brings.
10) How did the author and his wife feel about the dinner with the silent woman?
They all had a wonderful time. For the silent woman, an occasional visit to the fish restaurant was a pleasant experience and this time it was even better with the companionship of the author and his wife. The author and his wife also