The last bus on the island is about to leave. A tourist runs toward it with a heavy bag.
The driver, Mr. Silva, is patient and kind. He waits. He opens the door.
The tourist is going to the harbour. "I missed the ferry," she says. "I have no place to stay."
Mr. Silva drives her to the harbour. The boats are quiet at anchor. He calls a friend who rents rooms.
On the way back, he tells her a secret. He was a sailor for twenty years. Now he drives the bus because he likes to bring people home.
The tourist thanks him. He smiles. "The island is small," he says. "But there is always room."
A thought to keep
Everyone has a story behind the wheel.