The brakes hissed and the door clanked open. Tihana stirred in Adila’s arms. Another checkpoint. “It’s okay,” Marija whispered, tucking Adila’s scarf under her chin. A green helmet appeared and the driver dug out a cigarette. The soldier lit up and then scanned the seats. Smoke poured from his nose. “I could use some fresh air,” the driver said. The soldier nodded. The driver stood up and handed him another cigarette. They stepped off the bus. Adila’s grip relaxed. Marija turned to look at Ina. She sat with her arm wrapped around Lejla, holding a blanket tight around the girl’s head. She must be sweltering under that, Marija thought. She turned away and checked their water supply. Two litres left. Outside, the driver was talking to a small group of soldiers, passing out a cigarette every time one was smothered under a boot.
