Chapter 1:

The Bus Encounter

The evening bus was packed as usual, bodies pressed together like sardines in a humid metal can. I clutched the overhead pole tightly, my messenger bag digging into my side as the vehicle lurched forward through the city traffic. At twenty-six, I’d thought moving to this bustling downtown area would feel liberating a fresh start for my graphic design freelance gig. Instead, most days left me drained, craving quiet and the safety of my tiny studio apartment. Tonight was no different. Until she got on.

The bus stopped with a hiss at the downtown transfer point. She stepped aboard tall, effortlessly graceful, with warm olive...