The Leather-Clad School Bus Driver Who Never Smiled Took a Job Driving Kids Through Foggy Backroads — And Every Parent Slowly Realized He Watched the Mirrors Like Their Children’s Lives Depended on It

Sarah found herself behind the bus that morning, dropping her older daughter off at the middle school farther down the road, watching the yellow shape ahead move even slower than usual, its brake lights flaring gently, consistently, like a heartbeat.

At the intersection near Miller’s Creek, a place locals complained about but rarely slowed for, the light turned green, and the bus did not move.

A horn blared from behind.

Sarah felt impatience rise despite herself.

“Go,” she muttered, fingers tightening on the wheel.

Rowan leaned forward slightly in his seat, his hands steady, eyes fixed on the side mirror longer than usual, and instead of accelerating, he shifted abruptly into reverse.

The backup alarm wailed.

Sarah gasped, slamming her own car backward as another vehicle screeched behind her, tires protesting, confusion turning instantly into fear.

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