The new passenger who boarded the train was dressed rather distinctively.
A loose hoodie paired with a beige scarf wrapped her upper body tightly. Her head was lowered, and black sunglasses covered most of her face, making her features impossible to discern.
A large guitar case was slung diagonally across her back as well.
As she entered the carriage, the new passenger glanced around. Her body paused slightly, and her gaze lingered for a moment on someone at the very back before she started walking toward the rear.
"Wait! Me too!"
Just as the doors were about to close, a hurried voice came from the night.
A travel-worn figure hurriedly jumped in through the rear door and, before the hooded passenger could reach it, plopped down in the empty seat at the back.
Samael glanced beside him and casually raised an eyebrow.
Another one had arrived.
"Young man, let's squeeze in."
The second new passenger took several ragged breaths, then turned to Samael on the inside and offered an apologetic smile.
"Young man, let's squeeze in."
She was a plainly dressed middle-aged woman. Her brows bore the sorrow and weariness carved by time, but her face was kind, and her manner of speech and conduct suggested she was well educated.
"Of course, ma'am."
Samael smiled and politely shifted farther inward, leaving plenty of room.
The first passenger in the aisle looked toward the back and frowned slightly. After pausing for a moment, she gave up on continuing farther back, found an empty seat near the front, leaned against the seatback, and quietly closed her eyes to rest.
As the two new passengers settled in, the train doors shut and the train began moving again.
The scenery outside sped backward. Trees on either side cast crisscrossing, chaotic shadows, the temperature in