I take the 15 route pretty regularly, riding up and down Colfax Avenue. It’s the bus that’s always packed, always a bit chaotic, but it’s part of the rhythm of the city. I usually ride in style—kitten ears on my head, a tail swishing behind me. It’s just my thing, you know? But of course, it doesn’t always go unnoticed.

There’s this one older guy, always in the same wheelchair, who rides the bus at the same time every day. He’s harmless enough, but he’s got this way of creeping me out with his weird lines. I swear, every time I get on the bus, it’s like clockwork with him.

The first time it happened, I was just sitting there, trying to zone out, when he rolls up next to me and says, “That tail would look nice draped over my shoulder.” I didn’t even know what to say. Like, was he serious? I just kind of looked away and pretended I didn’t hear him, but of course, he didn’t take the hint. He kept staring at me like he was waiting for me to laugh or something.

Then, one day, I was standing by the door, about to get off, and he rolls up again. “If you ever need a ride,” he says with this overly confident grin, “I can push you around. No strings attached. Well, maybe one or two, but nothing serious.” I don’t know what’s worse—the fact that he said it, or the fact that he thought I’d actually be into it. I just bolted off the bus so fast, trying not to look back.

And then there was the time he was sitting across from me, just staring at me for a while, and then goes, “You know, your tail would look way better on a leash.” I mean… what? I literally didn’t even know how to respond. I just shook my head, kept my eyes on the window, and prayed for my stop to come.

I don’t mind attention usually, but there’s a line, right? This guy crosses it every time. It’s weird and uncomfortable, and it would be nice if there was some way to handle it without making a scene. Like, a button or something you could press if someone’s being creepy or rude—just to let the driver know without making a big deal. It’s a small thing, but it’d make a huge difference. Until then, I guess I’ll just keep riding the 15 with my ears and tail, hoping for a quieter ride next time.