I have decided to start writing about the life of average people with average jobs.
In this short story I write 400 words in the night of a cab driver.
I start my shift at 7pm My cab is clean and ready to go.
My first fare is a young woman. She is dressed for the night.
I take her to her destination, a nice luxury condo downtown.
She hesitates when I pull up to let her out.
“Are you ok Miss?” I ask her.
“Yes, I’m just not sure I want to be here.” She replies.
“Would you like me to take you somewhere else?” I ask.
Hesitating again, she replies, “No, thank you.” pays me and gets out of my cab.
Although I wonder if she will be all right, my job is done.
On to the next fare.
I drive around my route for 12 minutes before I find my next fare.
This guy is all business. Heading off to a meeting, talking on his Blackberry the whole ride.
I let him out and I’m off again.
It’s 12am. I have been on shift for 5 hours. It has been a long quiet night. Not much happens on a Tuesday night.
I get a radio call for my next fare. I am on my way back to the luxury condo I let the young lady out at.
I stay in front of the building for 2 minutes before she walks up to my cab opening the door and taking her place in the back seat.
“Evening Miss.” I say to her, “Where to?”
“146 Dumount Rd.” she replies.
“Did you have a nice evening?” I ask her.
No response. She doesn’t want to talk.
We drive for two blocks when suddenly she says, “No, I didn’t. I found out tonight that my boyfriend of 3 years doesn’t want to see me anymore.”
She begins to cry.
“I’m sorry Miss.” I say and continue driving.
We arrive at her destination.
“$14.42 please” I say to her, pointing to the meter.
She hands me a twenty and says, “Keep the change.”
“Thank you Miss.” I say, giving her a smile.
“Good night.” She whispers.
I never see the young woman again. I often wonder how she is and what has become of her.
People come and people go. That is the role of a cab driver, taking the fare to their destination. Some we make a connection with, others there is none but once in a while there is one that touches your heart never to be seen again.
© Copyright Nina Munroe Mason. 03/06/11
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