The inter-city overnight bus had been crawling through the dark for hours when the engine finally gave a long, choking rattle and died. The vehicle rolled to a stop on a deserted stretch of highway, far from any town or village. Outside, the night was thick and silent except for the occasional cry of some distant animal. Inside, the few remaining passengers stirred, muttering complaints as the driver and conductors conferred near the front.

Most of the travelers gathered their bags and transferred to a relief bus that arrived within the hour. Mona stayed behind. Her connecting train was only a few hours away, and she did not want to risk missing it by taking a longer detour. She sat alone in her seat near the middle of the empty aisle, her small suitcase at her feet, the soft glow of her phone screen the only light left inside the darkened cabin.