ali wanted to live in a world of good people.
she heard of a place with good people.
she stood in line at the bus station to buy a ticket.
she waited for what seemed a long time.
the person behind her tapped her on the shoulder.
i see you have a heavy suitcase with you, the person said.
ali turned and looked at the person.
by this time, the line had started to move.
the person took an envelope from their pocket.
would you take this up to the desk, they asked ali.
what is this about, ali asked. why do you not take it yourself.
i have no time to go into it, the person said.
because my time will soon be over, they added.
after some thought, ali took the envelope.
*
when ali finally reached the head of the line, she asked for a ticket to the good place.
the ticket seller laughed when he heard ali’s request.
that is the worst place in the world, he exclaimed heartily.
he added, i do not know why anybody would wish to purchase a ticket to such a place.
ali was perplexed.
i have heard otherwise. she said.
well, do you want the ticket or not, the ticket seller asked.
as i have come this far, ali replied, i think i will indeed purchase the ticket.
well then, here is the ticket. just give me your credit card and you can be on your merry way to the worst place in the world.
ali reached into her pocket for her wallet which contained all her i d and credit and debit cards.
it was gone!
i am sorry, ali told the ticket taker, but i seem to have misplaced my wallet and i can not offer you my credit card.
these things happen, the ticket taker replied with a philosophical air, at least you will be spared your trip to the worst place in the world.
but what can i do, ali asked, i am alone in the world with no i d and no credit card, what will become of me?
step aside, please, and make way for the person in line behind you.
ali stood aside, as she did not know what else to do.
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