The last bus from the city to my remote district center. Ten o'clock at night, exhausted beyond belief. The bus was half empty—a couple of students with headphones in the front, an old woman with bags by the driver, and me in my usual window seat at the very back. Rain streamed down the window in slanted streaks, the streetlights flickered like garlands. I buried my face in my phone, thinking only about getting there and collapsing into bed. At the stop near the business center, she glided onto the bus. She walked unsteadily, holding onto the handrails. She wore an expensive burgundy coat, a pencil skirt, and heels. Her gaze was empty, slightly glassy. The air smelled of frosty air, perfume, and... whiskey. She walked slowly across the bus, swayed, and plopped down on the seat next to me, even though there were plenty of empty seats. “Sorry,” her voice was hoarse, tired. “I’m just... here. Okay?” “Yes, of course,” I moved towards the window. She shrugged off her coat, crumpling... continue reading