I often look at faces deliberately on the bus. Mostly when people are getting aboard and their eyes are searching for where they will sit. Sometimes it is as if I am seeing a human face for the first time, and I am a little surprised at what I see.
I am slightly aware that my eyes are entering their space, their world, uninvited. My eyes willingly betray my presence, much closer to some than they want. Then they must decide whether to see what they have casually noticed.
Some people are totally unaware that I have opened my eyes and my heart to them, so close yet not really present. Others become aware and then quickly avert their eyes. Our connecting in space is not something they want.
And there are some who glance and wonder what is happening. Some smile, and they acknowledge my presence as I have theirs.