"You're all ganging up on me! How can I go on living like this? It's because we're poor and can't afford better tickets. And now, an old lady like me is being scolded to my face." She sat on the floor, wailing and slapping her thighs dramatically.
I had never witnessed such a scene before and was momentarily stunned. The old lady's performance was so convincing; it really seemed like I was the one bullying her.
The conductor's expression remained serious. "Mrs. Zola, these are the rules. Please return to your seat. And don't spread false accusations about us."
The old lady ignored her and continued her dramatic crying.
With no other option, the conductor called for the train police over the radio. As soon as the officer arrived, Mrs. Zola cried even harder, shouting about how she was being bullied and couldn't go on living.
A young woman nearby stood up and spoke on my behalf. "That's her seat. You have your own seat. Why are you bullying this young lady?"
"You're a grown adult. Why are you picking on a young girl? Everyone's ticket costs money!"
"It's just terrible how some bad people grow old. Shameless!"