It looks like one giant spaceship, Jamie thought. Lights blinking. Different shapes glowing, going in different directions, but still as one. She just kept looking out the window in silence.

Big isn’t it? The woman next to Jamie looked about in wonder as well. Makes you curious about what’s inside, she said. Jamie nodded her head. People walking around. Noise. Lights. Exciting. Right? Jamie kept staring out the window. Look, the woman pointed. All these tall buildings. I wonder what they’re made of?

Steel. They’re made of steel. Concrete. Iron.

How’d you get so smart?

I don’t know. My ex used to tell me. He’d say I’m surrounded by  buildings of steel and iron. She laughed. Concrete. Said it was a lonely feeling.

I guess he could be right.

I’m sure he was. He was right about some things. Mostly wrong about others. Jamie smiled.

Well. That’s why he’s your ex.

Right.

The bus went underground into the dark, leaving light behind. A tunnel that led them into The Port Authority building where thousands arrive every day. All of them looking for something; a hot dog, slice of pizza, architecture,  celebrities, quaint coffee shops, bars to fall into, and never return, leaving light behind and falling into darkness.

This is New York City, ladies and gentlemen. Watch your step as you exit the bus. And thanks for riding Greyhound.