The bus driver looked at me through the mirror and said, "Kid, don't get off at your stop today.

The bus driver looked at me through the mirror and said, "Kid, don't get off at your stop today. Call your mom right now." I looked up confused because Mr. Max never talked to individual kids unless someone was throwing things or starting fights. He'd been driving Route 47 for like 10 years and barely

acknowledged any of us existed. Why? I pulled out my earbuds and walked closer to the front. His knuckles were white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. Just call her right now. His voice had this urgent edge that made my stomach flip. I fumbled for my phone while other kids started complaining about why we weren't moving. We were

stopped three blocks before my usual stop on Cedar Lane, just sitting there with the engine idling. My mom's phone went straight to voicemail. I tried again. Same thing. She's not answering. Mr. back was staring at something in his side mirror. And when I turned to look, I saw a black sedan that had been

following us for the last few turns. Try your dad or anyone else in your family. Now, I was really freaking out because bus drivers don't care about your family unless something is seriously wrong. I called my dad and got voicemail again. The black car was still there, just sitting behind us with its engine

running. Through the tinted windows, I could see the outline of someone in the driver's seat. Mr. Bax, what's going on? My voice came out higher than I meant it to. He reached for his radio and spoke quietly into it. Base, this is bus 47. I need immediate assistance at Cedar and Fifth. Possible situation with

suspicious vehicle following my route. The dispatcher's voice crackled back, asking for details, but Mr. Fax kept his responses vague. The other kids on the bus were getting restless and starting to ask questions. Jace from the back yelled, "Yo, why aren't we moving?" I got practice. Mr. Bax ignored him and kept watching that black car in his