The bus rumbled through the darkness, its tires humming a restless rhythm that matched the beating of my heart. I sat pressed against the cold window, the reflection of passing streetlights flickering over my face like broken memories.
Adrian sat beside me, his hand in mine, his head resting against the seat. His breathing was uneven, every inhale laced with exhaustion, but he refused to sleep. Every few minutes, his eyes would flick open, scanning the aisle as though expecting Daniel to appear at any moment.
Outside, the town melted into wilderness. Rows of houses gave way to fields drowned in mist, and the night grew deeper, heavier. It felt as though the world itself was holding its breath.
“Do you think he knows?” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the low hum of the engine.
