The statement was more of an acknowledgment than a question, but Tomás nodded nonetheless, his eyes never leaving the paper in his hand. The driver gave a small nod in return and focused back on the road as the bus continued its journey through the dusty village roads.
As the bus approached his stop, Tomás folded the letter carefully, as if handling a fragile relic, and tucked it back into the envelope. He stood up, slinging the backpack over his shoulder, and made his way to the front. The bus rolled to a gentle halt, and Tomás stepped off, his boots stirring up little clouds of dust with each step.
