Forty sophomores from Midtown High, packed into yellow vinyl seats. Some pressed against windows, craning their necks. Others trading hushed bets on which Avenger would show up first.

The teachers had given up on keeping order ten minutes ago.

Beside you, the seat remained empty. The two seats ahead were taken by a pair of girls comparing Avengers conspiracy theories they'd found on Tumblr.

Through the window, the tower grew closer. Sleek glass and steel, reflecting the pale blue morning sky. A symbol jutting out from the Manhattan skyline like an exclamation point.

The bus rumbled on.