Will someone help Gran off at the next stop? Shes in the way.
That old tram creaked and groaned as if it was a weary beast struggling through another days work. It was early, and people were crammed in, faces drawn, eyes glued to their mobiles, each lost in his own rush.
At the third stop, an elderly lady got on.
She was short, dressed in a worn-out overcoat, carrying a hand-stitched cloth shopping bag. Her step was uncertain as she entered. The tram jerked into motion, making her stumble. She grabbed hold of the pole with both hands, clutching it as though it were the last solid thing in the world.
Hurry up, madam! someone muttered from behind.
She didnt reply.
She took another step. Then another.
Her bag hung heavy beside her the corner of a loaf and a bottle of milk poking out. Nothing more.
When she reached an empty seat, she stopped with a laboured breath. She looked round. All the seats were taken. A young lad with headphones, a smartly dressed woman, a fellow in a suit tapping away on his laptop.
Excuse me, if you wouldnt mind, just for a second. Need to catch my breath, she said softly.
No one so much as shifted.
The tram braked again, jolting everyone. She lost her balance and caught the back of a seat. The seated woman spun round, annoyed.
Watch it! Youve dirtied my coat!
The old lady lowered her eyes.
Im terribly sorry
The driver, a young chap, poked his head out of his cabin and barked,
Madam, dont stand in the aisle! Youre making a nuisance of yourself!
She nodded quietly.
Ill be off at the next stop
Youd best get off now! someone else chimed in, voice loud and impatient.
Yes, cant you see its packed in here? another joined in.
A low grumble filled the tram.
What are all these old folk doing out and about
Havent they got anyone?
Always making trouble
The lady said nothing. She shuffled towards the door, tiny steps. The tram stopped at a red light, stranded between stops.
And then something strange happened.
The front door swung open abruptly, and the ticket inspector stepped in. He glanced around, then froze when he saw the old lady leaning on the door.
Mum?
Silence hung over everyone.
He hurried over to her.
Mum, what are you doing here? Why didnt you call me?
She looked up, startled.
I just wanted to visit the cemetery. Its your fathers anniversary. Didnt want to bother anyone.
He swallowed hard.
Since when do you go alone on the tram?
Ever since I stopped wanting to be a burden.
The only thing left was the low rattle of the engine.
The inspector turned to the other passengers.
Do you know what this woman used to do thirty years ago?
Shed wake at four to make my breakfast.
She kept me in school.
Took me by the hand to the doctors.
And today people say shes a bother.
No one said anything.
The man in the suit stood up first.
Here, please take my seat, madam.
Then another, and another.
The old lady sat down gently, tears pricking her eyes.
You shouldnt have I didnt want to be a nuisance
Her son took her bag.
Mum, youve never been a nuisance. Were the ones whove forgotten who kept us standing.
The tram rattled on its way.
And everyone else, heads bowed and silent, were left with a heavy thought:
One day, every one of us will be in the way for someone.
If youve ever seen someone humiliated just for being old, share your story.
Pass it on. Offering a seat at the right time says more than a thousand words.
