A letter to the woman who talks to herself on the bus: I’m sorry

Hi,

You probably don’t know me, but I get on the same early morning bus as you. When I get on, you’re already on the bus and when I get off, you continue on with your journey. I don’t know where you come from and I don’t know where you’re headed, but I’ve sat behind you a few times now and I can hear you talk to yourself.

At first, I thought you were on the phone. When I realised you’re not I thought the same thing the rest of the passengers were probably thinking ‘Poor woman. She’s not quite with it’.

But over the last few days, I’ve been listening to what you were saying and I wanted to say this, I’m sorry.

I’m sorry that your husband cheated on you. I’m sorry that his parents kicked you out of the family home you shared. I am sorry that you feel you can’t share this with the people you work with. I am sorry you’re not from around here and your family lives far away, I can only imagine how much you miss them and need them right now. I am sorry that you’re in a situation where you talk to yourself on the bus because you probably have nobody else to talk to.

I can see you that you’re smartly dressed and probably on your way to work. I’m sorry you can’t take time off to figure it all out but I admire your strength. I admire the fact that you don’t shout, you don’t sob, you just talk it through.

I am sorry I thought you weren’t ‘with it’. I think you’re in an unfortunate situation but I hope you get back on your feet. I am sorry I’ve listened in on your private conversation with yourself. But mostly, I want to say apologies for my own inadequacy. I am sorry I don’t sit next to you and ask you if you’re okay.

But I am behind you, I listen and I understand.
I’m sorry!

From the girl sat behind you