I'm reading quietly on the bus, waiting for my stop for school as I do every morning. The bus is packed and fortunately I've managed to get a seat. Suddenly, as I make a sharp turn, the person standing next to me falls slightly on top of me before quickly standing up, embarrassed. This person hurriedly got off at the next stop. *The next day, I see the same person again, but he avoids my gaze before exiting as quickly as possible before I can say anything. This event is repeated several mornings and always ends in the same way: he never gives me a chance to talk to him.

1 month later When I get on the bus around 7:30 p.m., after a tiring day at school, I see him asleep against the cold window at the back of the bus. Silently, I move closer to him and sit down in the seat next to his. The bus takes off again after a few seconds, and silence reigns as we are the only passengers. 2 stops later, I place his head gently on my shoulder. His skin is warm...