Rats. I’ve heard the whole city is infested with rats, she said. Big fat furry rodents with sharp teeth; able to chew up anything, she told Jamie as they crossed Pennsylvania, sitting side by side.

That so?

They hide in dumpsters, down alleys, in the walls of tennant buildings, everywhere, everywhere. She turned and looked out the window at passing green hills and old farm houses.

Who told you this? Jamie asked, looking forward at the seat in front of her, which had a small tear in it. She placed her finger in the whole and felt the foam inside.

What’re you going there for? The young lady asked.

Just want to see it. Just to have a look.

You got friends there?

I used to.

Oh. They moved?

He died.

I’m sorry. 

It’s OK.

Was he a close friend?

My ex-husband. I spoke to him on the phone, and then the coroner’s office called me. I should have come then.

Why didn’t you?

Scared. Scared, I guess. Didn’t want to see what happened to him.

That’s a hard story.

Yeah.

Ladies and gentlemen, the next stop is Philadelphia. Philadelphia,  PA. If you’re getting off there, I hope you had a pleasant trip, and thank you for riding Greyhound.