Bus driver doing his last route saw something that stopped him cold

I drive a village bus route out in Paju.

You know those buses you sometimes see at night, lights off, not stopping, just... barreling through? Those are us on the return trip. Last run of the night, heading back to the depot after the final scheduled stop.

This was mid-March.

I'd been grinding all day and it was finally time to bring her in. Before heading back I do a full walkaround, check if anyone's still on board, lost items, trash, whatever. Nothing. So I got back in the driver's seat and killed all the interior lights.

Then I shivered once (spring was NOT here yet, it was still that gross cold-but-not-quite-winter weather), dropped it into gear, and pulled out.

The old bus rattled and groaned as it started moving. I have this habit where I always glance at the rearview mirror right as I pull away.

So I glanced back.

And in the dark seats, third row from the back. A woman. Just sitting there. Staring out the window.