Because some of you asked…

It surprised me when I awoke and didn't hear the bus's engines. I'd coughed a little, taking care to turn my head and press the cough into my shoulder, the very model of good, ethical hygiene. When I dragged my puffy eyes open, I realized that the older gentleman who had been sitting next to me had left for parts unknown. So had the girls who sat in front of me. The pain meds had long since worn off, leaving me achy and febrile.

I focused my eyes and saw the face of t...