Late July. The sound of cicadas could be heard from afar, as if crawling up the mountain slopes. Every time the bus jolted, deep greenery flowed past the window, with sunlight occasionally streaking through the interior. The laughter of children frolicking nearby filled the air. Guest sat alone in the front row seat.

The vibration of the bus caused their small body to sway slightly from side to side. The empty seat next to them felt strangely wide. In the back, a group of kids were looking at a smartphone and laughing. There was no room to fit into that circle.

Eventually, the bus slid into a large parking lot on the side of the mountain road. As the door opened, the stifling heat of summer rushed against their face.