fatherless

As Ali stepped onto the bus, he held his breath. People rushed to find their seats, and Ali blended into the crowd as best as he could. Luca, his tail raised high, quietly followed at his heels.

Ali made his way toward the back of the bus, but all the seats were taken. So, he decided to stand, keeping a low profile. He glanced around, relieved that no one seemed to have noticed him. Luca curled up at his feet, content but alert.

But the real challenge wasn't over. Once the bus started moving, there was a chance someone might come around to check for tickets. Ali leaned down and whispered to Luca, "Luca, don't make a sound. Just enjoy the ride, okay?"

Luca rolled his eyes but stayed silent.

As the bus continued its journey, Ali stared out the window. The city was quickly receding behind him—billboards, shopping malls, everything felt foreign. But then, something familiar caught his eye. A street corner he recognized. His heart skipped a beat.

"Yes, this is it!" Ali thought, excitement bubbling inside him.

The bus kept moving, and Ali realized they were getting closer to his stop. But then, a problem arose. If the driver or a passenger started checking for tickets, Ali's lack of one would be exposed.

And then, the dreaded moment came. The bus driver glanced in the rearview mirror and called out, "Is there anyone without a ticket?"

Ali's heart raced. Several people pulled out their tickets, showing them to the driver. One man fumbled through his bag, while a woman searched her child's coat pocket.

Just then, the bus slammed on the brakes!

The sudden stop sent many passengers tumbling forward. Some managed to grab hold of the seats to stay upright, while Ali instinctively reached for a nearby handrail. But Luca lost his balance and slid across the slippery floor!

"Luca!" Ali whispered urgently.

Luca ended up at the feet of a man, who bent down in surprise.

"What? Is there a cat here?" the man muttered.

Ali's heart skipped a beat. He held his breath, hoping the man wouldn't notice them.

But before the man could lift Luca, the bus driver turned around and shouted, "Hey! You, kid! Do you have a ticket?"

All eyes turned to Ali.

Panic surged through him. He had to think fast.

Just then, the bus doors suddenly swung open.

Without thinking twice, Ali grabbed Luca and bolted!

"Hey! Stop!" the driver shouted, but Ali was already racing toward the street, blending into the crowd.

His heart pounded in his chest as he ran, Luca held tightly to his chest. He turned into a narrow alley and pressed himself against a wall, gasping for breath.

Luca gave him a dry look, as if raising an eyebrow.

"You've really gotten us into trouble again," he muttered.

Ali smiled weakly.

"But we're still free."

Luca paused for a moment, then sighed.

"So, what now?"

Ali looked up at the large sign in front of him. It read Hormonos Hotel.

His eyes sparkled.

"We're getting close to home!"