Its folding doors swung open.
Ellie rose, pulled her backpack onto one shoulder, and began making her way toward the exit.
Suddenly, everything shifted.
Frank twisted around abruptly.
His gaze traveled beyond the doorway.
He rose so suddenly that Ellie paused halfway forward.
“Stay back, sweetheart.”
I looked confused.
“Ellie?”
She moved another step.
Frank stepped into the aisle, extending one arm.
“Don’t come down.”
My little girl stopped.
I moved nearer.
“Is something wrong?”
Frank stared beyond the doorway.
His face grew tense.
And then he yelled.
“You’re not taking her!”
For several seconds, his words made absolutely no sense.
“What did you say?”
His hand moved toward the door switch.
“She’s my daughter!” I shouted.
The folding doors snapped closed.
I pressed my palm firmly against the glass.
“OPEN THE DOOR!”
Ellie hurried toward the window near the driver’s seat.
Her lips were parted.
