As the passengers settled, Stephanie directed them to tables, offering menus and water with practiced patience. She felt the tension radiating from the crowd. They cast critical glances at the diner’s modest decor, already muttering about the inconvenience of the unexpected delay.
Outside, the commotion from the bus seemed to settle, but the atmosphere in the diner grew tense as the passengers murmured complaints under their breath. Stephanie knew they’d have demands soon—she could practically feel their irritation simmering, just waiting to bubble over.