Tom arrived at the bus station very early for the bus to Paris. The bus for Paris would not leave until five to twelve. He saw a lot of people waiting in the station. Some were standing in line (排队),others were walking around. There was a group of students. Their teacher was trying to keep them in line. Tom looked around but there was no place for him to sit.
Tom walked into the station cafe and looked up at the clock there. It was only twenty to twelve. He found a seat and sat down before a large mirror (镜子) on the wall. Just then, Mike, one of Tom's friends came in and sat with Tom.
"What time is your bus?" asked Mike.
"There's enough time," answered Tom.
"Well, I'll get you some tea then," said Mike.
They talked while drinking. Then Tom looked at the clock again. "Oh! It's going backwards (倒行)!" he cried, "A few minutes ago it was twenty to twelve and now it's half past eleven."
"You're looking at the clock in the mirror," said Mike. Tom felt sad. The next bus was not to leave for another four hours. From then on, Tom never liked mirrors.
