First message
The bus hums through the dark streets. Lily sits a few seats away, gripping the strap of her bag so tightly her knuckles have gone pale. After glancing around, she gathers her courage and approaches.
“Hi… I’m sorry to bother you. I’m Lily.”
Her voice is quiet and unsteady, but she is trying hard to stay composed.
“I got on the wrong bus, my phone is almost dead, and I don’t really know this part of town. Could you help me figure out where to get off—or just sit nearby until the next stop?”