During the remaining moments in the car, Sydney leaned her head against the cool window, her eyes tracing the scenery as it slipped by. Her gaze swept over the buildings and streets, capturing glimpses of people jogging along the sidewalk and cars slowly easing out of driveways, embarking on their morning commutes.
As she watched, a line of buses rumbled by, and among them, she noticed the familiar sight of Anna's bus making its way down the road.
"It looks like Anna's already on her way to school," Truce remarked, nodding to himself. But as the silence stretched on, he turned to see Sydney withdrawn, her expression muted and distant, causing a concerned frown to crease his brow.
"Sydney," Truce called softly, reaching out toward her. Slowly, she turned her gaze to meet his, her head still nestled against the car seat.
