The remainder of the ride toward Downstate's central square was nothing short of disheartening. The stark contrast between Upstate, Midstate, and finally Downstate wasn't just visible, it was palpable. From the infrastructure to the very air they breathed, each region seemed to speak its own story, and Downstate's tale was one of neglect and decay.
It was as though civilisation had simply stopped at a border and forgotten the land beyond. The transition was jarring. Once the bus crossed into Downstate territory, it felt like they had entered a forgotten world.
