The Journey Begins
Note: From here on.... it's pure fictions and my delusions.
FL Mom
Don’t forget your bag. Clothes, documents… everything’s inside?
FL Dad
The bus leaves at 6. Don’t miss it.
Meilin/Anastasia
I’ll be there.
FL Mom
Call when you cross each state, okay? We’ll worry
FL sister
DD...will you come back soon?
Meilin/Anastasia
Of course. Be good. Take care of Ma.
FL Dad
The agent’s place is far. Four states away. But don’t be scared.
FL Dad
The others traveling with you will guide you.
FL Dad
Yes, children like you. All going for training.
Meilin/Anastasia
I'm not a child Dad. I'm 20 okay
FL Dad
Remember, Meilin. This is for the family.
Meilin/Anastasia
I know, Baba.
Meilin/Anastasia
(chuckle and hug her mom)
And just like that, she stepped into the bus. Four states. One unknown future.
But all she tells herself is— obey. Always obey
? ? ?
Tickets, tickets! Show me.
Meilin/Anastasia
(hands over ticket, clutching bag)
Random girl
(softly) You too… going to the agent’s place?
Meilin/Anastasia
Yes… you?
Random girl
Same. I’m from Assam. Name’s Rina.
Agent 1
Both of you, sit together. I’ll be nearby.
Agent 1
No talking to strangers on the way.
Meilin/Anastasia
I think so. Neighbor said he’ll guide us.
Agent 1
Four states. Long ride. Keep quiet, keep close. Don’t lose your things.
Rina
(whispers) Do you know what kind of job we’ll get?
Meilin/Anastasia
No… Ma said… maybe hotel, maybe shop work.
Rina
Same. I just hope I can send money home soon.
Meilin/Anastasia
(smile)
Me too
Agent 1
Sleep if you can. When you wake up, you’ll already be far from home.
Agent 1
Eat quick. Bus leaves in ten minutes.
Rina
At least they pay for everything…
Meilin/Anastasia
*But if they pay, don’t they own us already?*
Agent 1
Two more. Don’t ask again.
Meilin/Anastasia
My phone battery’s dying… Baba told me to call.
Agent 1
You’ll call later. No need now.
🚌 Bus Bumpy Roads:
(thuds, rattles)
Rina
Feels like we’re going nowhere.
Meilin/Anastasia
(smiles faintly) Maybe nowhere is where we’re going.
Agent 1
Quiet. Both of you.
Agent 1
Wake up. We’re here.
Meilin/Anastasia
(eyes sting, neck stiff from sleeping upright. rubs face, look outside.)
Comments
Messy🗣️💨
So, it's India?
2025-08-24
1