The beret lady turns to me now, immense gratitude the only thing in her purse.
"Strangers don't usually put their lives in danger for others," she begins. "You'll never know what this means to me, that you were willing to die for my niece."
"It was nothing." I make light of my bravado. "I saw a goat on the loose and tied it. Nothing big in that. People do greater things every day."
"Usually for fame and glory. But you just wanted to save an innocent life."
"Like I said, it was nothing." I shrug my shoulders. "I'd do it again. No big deal."
"You sound like the hero our world needs. What's your name, child?"
"Her name's Mary," Hazel shouts from the bus. "And she needs a job if you have one."
She turns to Hazel with her earlier demeanour. "I think she already has a job, as a hero."
Everyone laughs and the mood lightens. Even the bus driver joins in to soak up the moment. Hazel finally makes her way off the bus. Later I'll be sure to get the story of how she jumped down from the driver's side. And me, I'm just hoping that the beret lady doesn't continue to set her sights on me with this hero talk after the laughter dies down.
"Look, this bus isn't going anywhere soon. Do you girls have money to travel home?"
Hazel hangs her head low now that the conversation has taken this shameful turn. Still, she manages to mumble a response. "Not enough to cover the two of us."
"Say no more." She points to a red van. "Here comes Paul now. He'll take you back."
YOU ARE READING
NINE TIME MACHINES: Do you want to undo your entire life on planet earth?
FantasíaThere is a war coming! In it, Lilith and the impostor God must battle for all human minds on earth. But one girl can stand in the gap for all humanity. However, to prove worthy for this feat, Mary must begin shadow work to take the mark upon herself...
