Before Teddy could answer Rick, the line went dead. A cold silence hung in the air, the abrupt end of the call leaving a knot of unease in my chest.
We didn’t have time to dwell on it. Spotting a bus heading toward the city, we quickly boarded. To avoid drawing attention, We sat separately. I pulled my hood over my head, sinking low into my seat, my heart pounding in my ears. The rumble of the engine did little to calm my nerves.
As the bus rolled closer to the city center, the air grew thick with tension. The hum of traffic shifted into angry shouts. The bus slowed to a crawl, then jolted to a stop. I peered out the window — the street was blocked.
Crowds of furious protesters flooded the road, their faces twisted in rage as they waved handmade signs high above their heads. My breath c
