The Wayward Bus

Van Brunt is worried about having another stroke. He is certain that the next one will kill him. He hasn’t told his wife that he’s had two already. Van Brunt is frightened of himself because one of his strokes changed him so much that now he is attracted to little girls. Van Brunt is ashamed of himself. Over time, “his temper grew sharper and more violent all the time until people he had known for years began to avoid him” (256). He thinks of time passing and wants to die. He falls asleep on the bus with his eyes open.

Pimples talks to Norma and tells her that he’s interested in dating her. He suggests that if she returns to Rebel Corners, they can work together and date while he’s working on studying radar. Norma is pleased by his attention and this idea. When Pimples acknowledges that no one likes him because of his pimples, Norma is filled with sympathy and an understanding that he’s been just as lonely as her. When Pimples makes a pass at her, Norma doesn’t want to kiss him on