Shariyiah Ray

I got into an Uber today, and the driver didn't say a single word. No "hello," no confirmation of my name, nothing. He just stared straight ahead, gripping the wheel. I was honestly getting annoyed and ready to leave a 1-star review for bad customer service. Then, I noticed his dashboard.

Taped right next to the steering wheel was a small, laminated note. It read: "To my riders: I lost my son 3 days ago. If I speak, I will cry. I need to keep driving to afford his funeral. Please just let me drive you in silence. I am sorry." My heart completely dropped. I sat there in the back seat, holding back tears, realizing this man was trapped in a moving metal box trying to survive the worst week of his life just to pay a bill. When we arrived, I didn't say a word. I just tipped him the maximum amount possible on the app and walked away. We really have no idea what the stranger next to us is carrying.