Monday blues with mustard charm.

It was Monday morning, and I had to get up late after two lazy days—it was my typical Monday routine. I finished all my household chores and left home just in time to catch the bus. I rode my bike to the main bus stop, parked it there, and then took the bus to reach the office.

As I traveled along my favorite route, the one with tree shade, I saw a mustard-colored school van ahead of me. There were few vehicles between me and the van. Noticed that the children sitting in the last row were waving enthusiastically at the vehicles behind them—five kids with the most mischievous smiles.

I looked around to see if anyone waved back, but no one did. I paused for a moment and wondered if I could take my hand off the handlebar to wave back at the children. I wasn’t sure if I could still drive safely with one hand. At first, I was reluctant, but as I got closer to the school van, I decided to go for it. I waved back with my left hand, a wide smile spreading across my face.

Within two seconds, my hand was back on the handlebar, and I sped past the van so I wouldn’t be more late. As I replayed the events in my mind, I heard the children calling out, “Bye!” Their eyes seemed to twinkle a little more and  My heart felt a bit lighter.