Thomas's premonition had been short. Just one sentence. During their field trip, there would be a landslide, their bus would fall off a cliff, and everyone would die.
It was simple, straight to the point. But for that one line to come true, a lot of things needed to line up.
First, there actually had to be a field trip. At the time, there wasn't even one announced, so Bryan thought that already proved Thomas wrong.
Then their teacher suddenly announced a trip. Coincidence, right?
Still, just having a field trip didn't make the whole thing true. For Thomas's words to mean anything, there had to at least be the possibility of a landslide.
And then came the destination. An observatory in the mountains. Mountains meant cliffs. Bryan's stomach dropped.
But there was still one more condition. They needed to ride a bus. Thomas's prediction specifically mentioned a bus tumbling off a cliff. Bryan clung to that detail like it was his last hope.
His classmates had said they usually rented vans for trips. Bryan, being new, hadn't known that, but once he heard it, he almost sighed in relief. Vans weren't buses. That should mean they were safe.
Yet when he glanced back, Thomas didn't look any calmer. He was muttering to himself again, shaking his head like he knew something Bryan didn't. The unease crept back into Bryan's chest.
And then, right on cue, their teacher clapped her hands to get the class's attention.
"I know, I know, you all want to ride with your best friends. But guess what? This time the school is renting a bus! The whole class together in the same vehicle. Isn't that great?"
Bryan's jaw dropped. His legs wobbled, and he almost slid out of his seat.
It was happening. It was really happening.
"Well then, I need to talk to some people about our tour. I'll give the rest of the day to you all," the teacher said before leaving the classroom.
"Yahoooo!" the class exploded, half because school ended early, half because a field trip was finally happening. Some kids were already talking about snacks to bring, others were making seat plans for the bus.
Only Bryan and Thomas weren't cheering.
"We need to talk." Bryan stood up and walked straight to Thomas's desk.
"Yes, yes!" Thomas answered quickly, almost too eager, like Bryan had just thrown him a lifeline. The two of them slipped out of the classroom together.
A few heads turned. Whispers followed. It was the first time anyone had ever seen the new transferee and the class giant talk to each other. But after a few seconds of curiosity, everyone went back to their own excitement.
Outside, Bryan crossed his arms. He hesitated before speaking, as if weighing whether he even wanted the answer. "So… what's your plan?"
Thomas scratched his head, thinking hard. "I'm trying to figure out a way to stop it. Maybe… we flatten the bus tires?"
Bryan blinked. "No, no. That won't work. They'll just change the tires."
Thomas looked down, mumbling. "Then maybe… I don't know, maybe we tell them the mountain road is cursed or something."
Bryan gave him a blank stare. "That's even worse. They'll just laugh at us."
Thomas slumped, clearly frustrated. Bryan sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "We can't change the venue. We can't tell the teachers either."
"Yes. They won't believe me, just like you," Thomas muttered.
Bryan hesitated again, staring at Thomas. "…Honestly, I still don't believe you. Not completely." He paused, then added, softer, "But seeing you right now… I'll believe you just this once."
Thomas's eyes flickered with relief, and he nodded quickly.
They both fell silent for a moment, then started tossing out ideas again. Bryan suggested faking a fever so the trip would get delayed. Thomas wondered if pouring soda on the bus engine would break it. Bryan even muttered about blocking the school gate with trash bins.
Every idea was childish, half-baked, and easily dismissed. But they kept trying.
The next day, they talked again. And the next.
And just like that, after 7 days, the day of the field trip arrived.
Bryan sat stiffly in his seat, looking like he might throw up any second. His eyes darted from window to aisle to the front of the bus, as if danger might jump out before they even left the school.
The doors opened and a tall figure stepped in. It was Thomas.
Bryan let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. For a moment he thought Thomas would chicken out and leave him to handle everything alone.
"Thomas Aike! I thought you weren't coming!" Bryan called as Thomas walked down the aisle toward his seat.
"I almost didn't," Thomas admitted, flashing what could have been a grin or maybe a weird attempt at a diabolical smile.
"Don't worry, I got you," he added, tapping Bryan on the shoulder as he passed before settling into his usual spot at the very back.
"Alright, is everyone here?" the teacher asked, scanning the rows.
"Yes!" the class chorused.
"Let's go!" the teacher announced, clapping her hands. Cheers and laughter filled the bus as it lurched into motion.
Bryan and Thomas didn't join in. Their faces tightened, eyes heavy with the weight of what they believed was coming. Around them their classmates were celebrating, blissfully unaware.
Bryan glanced back. Thomas caught his eye and gave a small nod.
They didn't need words. Both knew they had to try. Whatever happened next, they would do their best to save everyone.
The tour itinerary was simple. First stop, the national museum. After lunch, the science museum. Then, in the late afternoon, the observatory in the mountains.
On the way to the first stop, rain began tapping against the bus windows. At first it was light, then it turned steady.
"I know… I know, the forecast didn't say it would rain," the teacher said, frowning.
The chatter in the bus dipped for a moment, but she quickly clapped her hands. "But don't worry. All our tours are indoors. Rain or shine, we're still going to have fun!"
Excited cheers rose again, and the teacher launched into road games to pass the time. The students dove right in, laughing and shouting answers.
Only Bryan and Thomas stayed quiet. Bryan pressed his forehead against the glass, watching the droplets race down. Rain. Perfect. Exactly what you need for a landslide. His hands curled into fists on his lap. The weather wasn't helping his nerves. It was proof. At least to him. They needed to be ready.
By 8:30 a.m., the bus pulled up to the national museum. A guide led them through the displays, pointing out artifacts and paintings. Some students took notes for extra credit, others snapped photos or giggled in corners.
At noon, they gathered for lunch at a nearby restaurant.
By 1 p.m., they were already on the way to the science museum, just fifteen minutes away.
"Alright, go and have fun. Don't forget, our call time is 3:30. We need to be at the observatory by 5," the teacher reminded as they filed off the bus.
"Yes, ma'am!" the class chorused before scattering inside.
Unlike the national museum, here they were free to roam. The students darted from one interactive display to another, tugging on levers, pressing buttons, and laughing at every blinking light.
Bryan tried a few exhibits half-heartedly before checking the time. At 3:20, he found Thomas near the exit. They shared a quick nod.
Without a word, they stepped outside together.
"Where are you going?" one of the teachers called out as Bryan and Thomas edged toward the exit of the science museum.
Oh no. Bryan's stomach dropped. We're caught. It's over. We won't even get a chance to try.
"We're going back to the bus. It's almost call time," Thomas answered without a blink.
The teacher checked her watch. "Oh, yes, yes. You still have ten minutes, but if you want to go, you can. Just don't wander around, alright? Stay in the bus!"
"Yes, ma'am," the two chorused, bowing their heads before hurrying out.
As they neared the bus, they saw the driver leaning against the side, smoking.
Bryan whispered between breaths, "I guess we don't need to distract him. He's already out here."
"Go talk to him. I'll handle the rest," Thomas said, breaking off toward the bus steps.
Bryan's throat felt dry, but he jogged up to the driver. The man noticed him and quickly crushed his cigarette underfoot.
"Why are you out here so early?" the driver asked, raising a brow.
"I'm not… I'm not really feeling good. Can you… uh, can you put this towel on my back?" Bryan shoved the towel forward awkwardly.
The driver blinked. "A towel?"
Before Bryan could stumble through an answer, a sharp hiss came from the bus. Air escaped from under the dashboard.
The driver whipped his head toward the sound. The driver's seat was empty. The bus was empty.
"Where's the boy that came with you?" he asked, suspicion flickering in his voice.
Bryan pointed vaguely toward the restrooms. "He, uh, went to the C.R. over there." His voice cracked on the word there.
The driver looked at him more carefully now. Bryan's hands were sweaty, his face pale. He really did look sick. After a pause, the driver muttered, "Air compressors. They always purge when the brakes sit too long." He convinced himself with a nod and went back to draping the towel over Bryan's shoulders.
From the corner of his eye, Bryan saw the first wave of students pour out of the museum doors. His chest tightened.
"Guess it's time," the driver said, giving him a firm pat on the shoulder.
"Hey, isn't that Thomas?" one of the students called, pointing at the bus.
Not at the windows. Not at the seats. At the front.
The driver's seat.