坐过站了

The bus kept going forward, but my stop was already behind me. Oh no, I missed my stop! I'm Xiaoyue. Today I want to tell you about a little bus adventure yesterday. I was just going to buy fruit, but ended up missing my stop.

Yesterday afternoon, I finished up at my shop. I wanted to buy some fresh fruit and try making a new cake that evening. A friend told me about a fruit shop by the park. The peaches there were big and sweet. I checked my phone. I could get there by bus. No transfers. How convenient!

Before leaving, I took my phone and a cloth bag. The weather was nice and not too hot. I walked to the stop. The bus hadn't come yet. A few people were waiting. Some checked their phones, while others chatted with friends. I checked the route board. Yes, this was the right place to wait.

A few minutes later, the bus arrived. I got on and found a seat by the window. The bus was quiet and the seat was comfortable. Six stops to go, I thought. Plenty of time. So I took out my phone to see my friend's photos. There was a kitten in the pictures. It looked a lot like my cat, Xiaohua.

I looked through them, liking each one more. I also sent my friend a few messages. When I looked up, the street outside had already changed. Where was the park? Where was the fruit shop? I quickly checked the map on my phone. Oh no! I'd gone two stops too far! I was so busy looking at the kitten, I missed the announcements.

The bus was still moving. I didn't go straight to the door. First, I put my phone in my bag. I waited for the bus to stop before standing up. I got off and moved further into the bus stop. I didn't really know this area. The road was wide and busy. I was a little worried, but told myself to stay calm. There was always a way.

I checked the map. The fruit shop was back the way I'd come. Walking back would take about twenty minutes. I didn't want to walk that far. I'd take a bus back. But where could I catch the bus back? I saw a woman nearby and went over to ask her. Excuse me, I'd like to go to the park.

She asked if I meant the park up ahead. Yes, I said. I just missed my stop. Where can I catch the bus back, please? She smiled. That's all right. Walk straight ahead first. At the intersection, cross the road. There's a stop across the road. Take the bus back from there.

To make sure I'd understood, I asked again. Go straight first, then cross the road. Is that right? She nodded. Then I asked how many stops it would be. Two or three, she said. Check before you get on. I thanked her. Now that someone had helped me, I didn't feel so worried.

At the intersection, I waited for green before crossing. At the stop across the road, I read the route board carefully. Yes, buses from here went past the park. When the bus arrived, I asked the driver first. Does this bus go to the park? Yes, he said. Get off after three stops. Thank you, I said. Got it.

This time, I put my phone away after getting on. I didn't look at the kitten photos again. Instead, I looked out of the window. One stop, two stops. Here was the third! I heard the stop name and saw the park entrance. I waited for the bus to stop, then got off. Finally, I got off at the right stop!

The fruit shop was right beside the park. As soon as I went in, I saw the big peaches. I picked a few and bought some small apples too. The shopkeeper asked if I needed a bag. No thanks, I smiled. I brought my own. After shopping, I sat on a bench by the park entrance and took a few sips of water.

I told my friend that just to buy peaches, I'd ridden several extra stops. How did that happen, she asked? It's because your kitten is too cute, I said! She sent me a smiley face. I laughed too. It had taken a little extra time, but I'd bought my fruit and learned to watch the road first, and check my phone later.

Here are a few sentences to remember today. I missed my stop. Where can I catch the bus back? Does this bus go to the park? About how many stops is it? If you didn't hear clearly, say: Please say that again. Have you ever missed your stop? How did you get back? I'd love to hear your story. Next time we go out, let's watch out for our stop.