Mirror Friend

Alvi: It's been two years since I lost my best friend.

I just want to forget everything.

This is the perfect time to leave it all behind and start fresh.

(Ms. Arin, Alvi's father's younger sister, calls from the kitchen.)

Ms. Arin: Alvi, come here! Your breakfast is ready.

I'm so sad that you're moving today. I don't know when I'll see you again, but I won't stop you.

You're starting a new life, and I just want you to be happy and healthy.

You know I love you more than anyone else after your mom and dad.

Alvi: I know, Aunty. Thank you.

Ms. Arin: Take care, kid. I'll miss you.

(As she leaves, Alvi mutters to himself.)

Alvi: Finally, she's gone. I was so fed up with her constant concern.

But now I'm free. Time to finish breakfast and get ready for my new... hellish life.

Ah, sorry—peaceful life. Why did I just jinx myself this early in the morning?

(Three hours later, Alvi is still on the bus.)

Alvi: Excuse me, when will we reach the last stop?

Bus Helper: Sorry, man, but this is where you need to get off. We can't go any further.

Alvi: What? Why not?

Bus Helper: The weather's bad, and the roads are dangerous.

Alvi: So, you're just going to leave me here, in the middle of nowhere?

Driver: Calm down. We're not abandoning you. We're just saying you need to disembark.

Bus Helper: There's a place nearby where you can stay for the night.

Driver: Because of the weather, you won't find any other transport today. It's your best option.

Alvi: Fine. Where is this place?

Bus Helper: It's a hotel on a hill surrounded by tea gardens. You'll need to climb a bit to get there.

Alvi: A hill? That's a bit much. Isn't there any other option?

Driver: Sorry, but this is the first and last option. We can point you in the right direction, but that's it.

Alvi: Unbelievable. You can't just dump me here!

Bus Helper: We're not wasting more time. Take that road and walk straight; you'll find the hotel.

(As Alvi grabs his luggage and prepares to leave, the driver and helper whisper to each other.)

Bus Helper: Did you hear him? Acting all smart like that. Who does he think he is?

Driver: Relax. Let's not cause trouble. Remember why we're doing this.

Bus Helper: Yeah, yeah. But he's got no idea what he's walking into.

Driver: Enough. Let's go.