Dr. Naisley.

Her laugh is so loud and forceful that it almost sounds like a scream at its highest,

just before she sucks in another breath to laugh some more.

The rest of the people on the bus are laughing too, but no laugh stands out as much as hers.

I stand in the eye, smiling at all the people around me, letting their laughter wash over

me.

I focus on the sound as much as I can, but I don't forget about the item in my hand.

It's important, I know.

Precious.

It is everything.

The landscape passes outside in a slow blur as the bus continues on its way, turning

this way and that.

I feel the vehicle slow slightly and then turn to look at the driver.

I skip up the bus's aisle like a child, watching as the driver's eyes shift from the road

to the narrow mirror above his head.

Our eyes meet in that strip of reflective glass, and I can see the crow's feet punctuating

each eye become more pronounced as he smiles.

Behind me, the laughter dies down to nothing.

Being okay, Dale, I ask him, leaning down and talking to him like we're old friends.

We are old friends, aren't we?

It's amazing how fast you can become pals with someone while traveling.

Just amazing.

...