The bus rumbled along the uneven streets of the city, its engine groaning under the weight of supplies destined for new foster homes and homeless centers they had planned for today.
Through the clear, expensive windows of the vehicle, the late afternoon sun casted long, golden streaks at every one inside.
They were all chatty and smiley, the air thick with the mingled scents of canned goods and toiletries. It was a simple, calm, uneventful ride as it usually was.
But not for Miyu Ishikawa.
From her seat near the back, she sat rigid beside Hideo, the security guard. She was completely tensed up, her brown bun pulled tight as if to mirror her coiled frustration and her hands folded.
Her eyes hadn't moved since she entered the bus.
Sharp and narrowed, they were fixed on the front of the bus where Renji and Mrs. Hoshizawa sat side by side, their heads bent close in animated conversation.
Hana pressed her lips together, unable to stand the sight.
