I was riding the #5 bus from Abbott Northwestern back to downtown. There was this dude behind me loudly telling his buddy in the seat next to him about how his girlfriend had asked him to move out. I pay half of the rent, he said. Yeah, his buddy said, no shit. I pay for half of the groceries, he said. Yeah, his buddy said, no shit. I pay for half of the electricity, he said. Yeah, his buddy said, no shit. I pay for half of the phone, he said. Yeah, his buddy said, no shit. I've put everything I can into this relationship and this happens, he said.

We were nearing downtown, and this gal got up for her stop. She turned to face the dudes who were talking. I never asked my man to move out, she said loudly. You know why? He bought me the ring. She put her hand out, showing the ring. He bought me the ring - we're still together. It's as simple as that. She repeated herself: He bought me the ring - we're still together. She still had the ring out, showing them.

The dude smiled. That's nice, he said, that's nice. He nodded and smiled some more. She walked off the bus. The doors shut.

He should've bought you a new outfit, he said. His buddy laughed loudly.

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