The bus stood like a blue giant in front of the school, its luggage compartments wide open, voices washing across the parking lot – laughter, calls, the clacking of trolleys on the asphalt.
The air was fresh, but it tasted of departure, of too much perfume and too little sleep.
I pulled my small suitcase behind me, as if I needed to hold it tighter to keep from losing my own balance.
"Lina!"
Fiona came rushing toward me, hat askew, purple streaks fluttering in the wind.
Without asking, she linked arms with me, smelling of mint and sugar.
"I thought you weren't coming anymore."
"I thought so too," I replied. It sounded more true than funny.
Fiona's gaze slid over my face – for too long, as if she wanted to take it apart.
"Okay, that one over there can go love herself today."
Her chin pointed in Vanessa's direction.
"And you breathe. With me."
I nodded weakly.
My eyes scanned the area, too frantic, too transparent.
