No Seat for me
In the last 2 weeks or so, I have been taking the public transport to and from work. Normally, KL usually give me a lift. Although I am visibly pregnant now but you’ll be surprised to know that I have never been offered a seat so far.
Yesterday, on the way home, I stood at the “disabled” seats for a long long while and no one gave up their seat for me. I thought maybe if I was rubbing my belly a little, maybe someone would notice. No one looked up from their book and some people just stared right through you. Okay, maybe I was wearing my trench coat and no one could tell, so I took it off and continued rubbing my belly. Nope, it still didn’t work. At the end, I gave up and move to the back to try my luck elsewhere. When I finally got an empty seat, I was only 3 stops away from home. *sigh…
I’m not usually the kind of person who demands a seat but, I was quite uncomfortable yesterday. My pelvis was aching and my feet was swollen from water retention. I really needed a seat. It was this morning when I made an agreement with myself and the belly that I would fight for my seat. Be kiasu basically. I shouldn’t be ashamed since if no one wants to give up their seat, I have to fight for my own.
This morning was fine except a very large man sat next to me, leaving me all squashed in the corner. But I just came home from work and I had this to report:
When I got up the tram, I dashed to the nearest seat (next to the stairs). Before my butt could reach the seat, I heard a voice behind me, “Thank you for not giving me the seat. I have a very bad foot.” I then turned around and saw a man with grey hair angrily muttering swear words. Of course by then, I had already sat down. But he managed to sit opposite me on an empty seat. He continue to say that I was rude and took his seat. I composed myself and said, “I didn’t push you and I am pregnant.” He went on to say that he have a very bad foot and was still angry.
I again made my stand and said, “You got a seat anyway. I am pregnant and I have to fight for my seat everyday on the tram.” He continued to be abusive and the young gentleman beside him tried reasoning with him, “Look, she is obviously pregnant and you’ve got a seat anyway” Guess what the abusive man said to him? He asked, “Are you pregnant?” HAHAAA…. That was when I burst out laughing and got really puzzled. I guess he lost the plot.
I gave up and ignored him. I took out my mobile and called KL and complaint loudly about the situation. The man left about 5 stops after. When he stood up, he walked with a slight limp. Other than that, there was no clutches or bandage. He was wearing normal work shoes for that matter. Who in the hell would know he has a bad foot. Besides, he was behind me when we got up the tram. I wasn’t going to asked everyone behind me if they are healthy and ask for permission before I sit down.
Oh my gawd. What a night. I still refused to be apologetic if I have to fight for a seat on the public transport everyday. Kiasu-ism is in my blood. In fact, I think angmos are more kiasu than I. At least I am not afraid to show it.
When I get back to SunnyLand, I know I am sure to witness sudden hypnotism - where a person on the public transport sees a pregnant woman and instantly fall into a deep sleep.