Seven-year-old Mia sat near the front of the bus, her legs swinging as she peered out the window. Her small hands clutched a colorful backpack, almost as big as she was, and her sneakers tapped a rhythm on the metal floor.

It was her first time taking the bus by herself. Her mom had given her clear instructions, even walked her through the route three times. “Get off at Maple Street, right in front of Grandma’s house. I’ll be waiting at the stop, okay?” Mia had nodded, excited but a little nervous. She felt proud, though. She was a big kid now, she thought, ready to face the world.

As the bus rumbled along, she watched the city’s streets roll by, counting the stops until hers. But somewhere along the route, Mia got distracted by a dog in a sweater peeking out from a lady’s purse, and she missed the “Maple Street” sign as it whizzed by. By the time she realized, they were already turning onto a busy avenue, moving farther away from anything familiar.

Her heart began to pound. The bus was full of people she didn’t know, everyone lost in their own world. A teenager with headphones bobbed his head to music, and an older lady sat knitting, her eyes never leaving her work. No one noticed the small girl looking increasingly panicked.

Finally, Mia summoned up the courage to stand up and walk to the front. She looked up at the driver, a kind-looking man with silver hair and glasses.

“Driver… stop, please?” she asked, her voice shaking a little.

The driver glanced down, surprised to see such a young girl alone. “Did you miss your stop, sweetheart?” he asked gently.

Mia nodded, her eyes wide. “I was supposed to get off at Maple Street. My grandma’s waiting there…”

The driver’s face softened. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you.” He pressed a button on his radio, speaking briefly into it, then turned back to her. “We’ll get you there. It might take a few extra minutes, but I’ll make sure you’re safe, okay?”

Mia felt a wave of relief wash over her. She sat down on the front seat this time, next to the driver, who smiled reassuringly at her.

As they rolled through the city, the driver told her stories about places they passed—old bakeries, little parks hidden behind buildings, and even the bus station where he’d started his first shift years ago. Slowly, Mia’s fear faded, replaced by curiosity and excitement as she learned about her city in a way she’d never seen before.

Eventually, the bus turned back toward Maple Street. Mia spotted her grandma, pacing anxiously at the stop, her face lighting up as soon as she saw Mia through the window.

When the bus came to a stop, Mia jumped off, running straight into her grandma’s arms. The driver gave a wave from the front seat as Mia looked back, smiling.

“Thank you, driver!” she called, her voice filled with relief and gratitude.

With a kind smile, the driver nodded, then shut the doors and continued on his route. As the bus drove off, Mia felt a little older and a little braver. She knew that, no matter where life’s path might take her, she’d always remember the kindness of the driver who had stopped, just for her.