The Vortex

Chapter one, The Vortex, present-day Nebraska. The faded vinyl and cloth seats

inhale and exhale with each turn of the bus's wheels, their pores weeping with the odors of

spilled coffee and forgotten sweat. A melody of crinkled chip bags and wandering whispers swirls

in the recycled air, punctuated by the rhythmic thrumming of threadbare tires

against cracked asphalt, as the small town community college's activity bus pulls

up to the stop outside of the two freshman dormitories. Fluorescent aisle lights above flicker

like a timid heartbeat, their sterile glow casting shadows across faces both familiar and strange

when the bus driver opens the door. The view through the scuffed bus windows for the