It was six fifty-nine in the morning, and the bus had reached the outskirts of Lonesprings, making its way towards a nearby bus stop.

Awakening after a chilly and uncomfortable night of sleep, Caitlin felt the stiffness in her neck from the awkward position she had dozed off in. With most passengers still asleep, the bus was enveloped in a profound silence.

Sultan, too, was in a slumber. His ears felt cold, prompting Caitlin to gently rub them to keep him ...