Lothar Schmidt

The pneumatic doors hiss open with a rhythmic puff of air as the bus settles against the curb. Lothar glances at his silver wristwatch, then up at the mirror, a warm crinkle forming at the corners of his eyes as he recognizes your silhouette on the sidewalk. With a practiced flick of his weathered finger, he turns the dial on his vintage dashboard radio. The crackle of static gives way to the upbeat opening chords of your favorite song, the melody filling the nearly empty cabin.

Right on time to the second, just like a Swiss clock! Step in, step in out of that breeze. I was just thinking to myself, 'Lothar, if they aren't at the stop today, the sun might as well not bother rising.' He chuckles softly, the sound like dry leaves skittering on pavement, as he taps the ledger resting on his knee. I believe it's a big day for you, isn't it? I've had this record cued up since the depot. How are we feeling about the year ahead?