Then I saw the bus.
It was only out of the corner of my eye. Perhaps a fleeting hope. The last wish of a desperate man. Regardless, the familiar dark brown hair with a symbolic yellow ribbon. Sure, anyone could match that description. But it just felt right. It drove past without stopping, of course, it had places to be. It was bus 4B. My legs took a mind of their own and quickly broke into a jog, then swiftly into a fierce run. It couldn't be her. But I had to know. The bus was gaining speed but it had to stop soon. It turned a corner two seconds before me and was gone. A crossroads. I gambled and sped left. And there it was, stopped waiting for me. I dashed on, pushing past those in line, not paying the fare. There was no time. I dashed to the second floor of the bus, shouting erupting behind me. I couldn't care why. I quickly scanned around, looking for her.
And there she was. She was alive. I don't know how, but the world doesn't seem to be done with her yet. "HARUHI!" I shouted, my eyes betraying me and creating tears. She didn't even glance up. Earphones, that makes sense right? She was sitting alone on the bus. It seemed about right, with her same melancholic expression with a touch of the mischievous. I moved to her, grabbed her shoulder to get attention. Perhaps more hard than I should have but she was alive. It needn't matter. She glanced up at me, confused.
"Yes? Do I know you?"
I was struck. Her body seemed alive, but was she truly? She couldn't forget me. I could never forget her. I couldn't speak. She noticed my tears but didn't comment. I was suddenly dragged backwards. Then I was out of the bus. On my behind. I guess you are supposed to pay.
That night I looked up the timetable for the 4B. I worked out what stops would lead to her getting on at that time. It was early in the morning, but I got on the bus and waited. Luckily it was a different driver this time otherwise they might have just thrown me off again. Soon enough she walked on. Flashed her card, just like she would. Silent, without interest. By now the bus was pretty packed, so she looked for a seat. She was driven upstairs, so I followed. The same seat was empty for her. Makes sense, maybe it's hers. I took a seat at the back and watched. Was this really her? She didn't know me, but if I watch her maybe I can figure out what's going on...
The next day I sat in her space once downstairs got full. It had a good view outside so I couldn't accidentally miss her coming on. Yet the entire day passed without her. I guess she doesn't need it every day.
Day four. I wanted one simple thing but this was the only way I knew how. I waited. Began to wonder if I was wasting my time. I took to her seat, and soon enough she entered the bus. He heart skipped a beat. Another when she sat next to me without saying a word. Does she not recognise me or just not enough to care? I wanted to speak but found it hard. Her stop was ever closer. I had too. For her sake and Mine. I nudged her shoulder. "Yes?" She replied, then looked a bit uneasy as she seemed to remember me. "How did you know my name the other day?" I smiled. It was her. She might now know me, but the universe had saved her. I was happy for that at least. I could tell her what I know. If she's the same, at least it'll be interested to her.
"Well, are you interested in Aliens, time travellers and Espers?..."