At The Bus-stop

“Hey!”

“Hi.”

“I’m Adam.”

Silence.

“You’re headed to the city too?”

Eye-roll.

“Right, stupid question. That’s the only bus this early.” After a few seconds, “You new here? Never seen you around.”

Sighing impatiently, “No.”

“Oops, my bad, probably didn’t notice you earlier.”

A frown behind the book.

“Oh no no! I meant that I’m always in such a hurry. You, of course, are very noticeable,” adding a toothy smile for good measure.

No reply.

Pointing at the book, “Beth dies, you know.”

The book snaps shut as she finally turns to look at him, with murder in her eyes.