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“We’re not getting back on, are we?”

“No.”

My gaze returned to Demitri as our food arrived. The plate in front of me held roasted chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. I stared at it and realized I had lost my appetite.

“Eat.”

“I’m not hungry,” I told him.

“You need your strength.”

I picked up the knife and fork with trembling hands. For several minutes, neither of us spoke. I forced down small bites while Demitri ate with little interest. His attention remained divided between the entrance, the windows, and the clock mounted above the counter.

Every time the doors opened, my body tightened. People walked in and out, but no one looked at us twice.

The bus driver discarded his cigarette and called the remaining passengers aboard. I watched them return one by one before the doors closed. The bus pulled slowly from the bay and turned towards the motorway. For the first time in four hours, I became aware of how adrift we were. We had no car. There was no bus. Even no phone between us.

“How long will we be here for?” I asked.

He checked the clock again.

“As long as it takes.”

I pushed the last of the coffee away and glanced toward the restrooms. My bladder had been protesting for the better part of twenty minutes.

“I need to use the restroom.”

Demitri looked up immediately. His eyes followed me as I slid out of the booth.

“I'll be back.”

He was already shifting in his seat. “I'll come with you.”

“To the restroom?”

“Yes.”

“Demitri.”

His expression didn't change.

I lowered my voice. “I don't need an escort to use the bathroom.”

His jaw tightened slightly.

“I won't be long,” I promised. “It's right there.”

His gaze moved toward the hallway leading to the restrooms, then back to me. For a moment, I thought he was going to argue. Instead, he nodded.

“Don't take long.”

“I won't.”

I could feel his eyes on me all the way down the hallway.

The restroom was empty. I locked the door behind me and finally let out the breath I'd been holding. For a few minutes, I was alone. There were no buses or running or men searching for me. No questions I didn't know how to answer.

It was just me and the hum of the fluorescent lights and the distant rumble of traffic beyond the walls.