Marvin’s favorite part of the day was riding the school bus, and he was always ready for pick-up when the bus arrived. Sometimes too ready. The last driver had hit Marvin when slowing to the corner of Upton & Greenspell because Marvin jumped out at the bus in anticipation of the ride. That was it. The driver’s swelling anxiety caused him to quit. 

“Wow! A new driver!” Marvin said as he climbed the two little steps onto the bus.

“You betcha, young fella.”

“Are you here for keeps?”

“As far as I can see.”

“What happened to the other?”

“Not sure. Find a seat, little guy.”

“Marvin!”

“Find a seat, Marvin.”

Marvin sat directly across from and slightly behind Lawrence. This had always been Marvin’s seat. Marvin sat on the very edge of the seat and leaned forward, almost parallel with Lawrence’s seat.

“Wow! A new driver!”

Lawrence stared ahead.

“And right on time too! Mr. Timothy was sometimes late. Like twice a month on average.”

“I’ll do my best. Please, my friend, we’re moving. Sit upright in your seat and enjoy the ride. We have quite a few stops to make, Martin.”

“Marvin!”

“Marvin. My apologies. Now if you please...”

“Why is the steering wheel like that?”

“What?”

“Why is the steering wheel like that?”

“Like what?”

“Like that. Mr. Timothy would never tell me.  It’s flat instead of up.”

“Why is it at this angle?”

“Yeah, like that!”

Lawrence’s blood pressure increased one blood pressure unit. He let out a deep breath and opened the door.

Purdue & Rayfield Lane: seven kids scattered throughout the bus. Lawrence pulled the bus away.