Life was difficult for me, born in a small family of a lower-middle-class family, I didn't get to experience a smooth life. It was my dream to finish my studies and start work where I would finally be able to help my family out.
Thankfully life took pity on good old me. I passed with an above-average grade, got into a local college and graduated in my prime.
My childhood friend Ben, with whom I spent my high school years, had contacted me for a job opportunity. It was a salesman position and applying for it wasn't so hard. The labour part was arduous, but the pay was reasonable.
"Hey Josh, I got some leftovers from my mom's cooking–let's share it!" Now here Ben came back from his lunch break. Honestly, the man hadn't changed since high school, he still was a happy go lucky individual.
"Sure, I'm hungry as well." I agreed and we both had lunch together.
Life was simple for me, I hoped it would stay this way till I retire in the future.
…
My only friends at that time were Ben and Josh. With their support, I progressively commenced interacting with other colleagues.
…
That was when I came across Nick and Mark. Our bond gradually evolved and we all became a group of great friends during our tale.
…
Altogether we lived in the same district, weekends were the only time we could hang out. Saturdays were consecrated for outings or trips in the countryside where Ben had a house.
On a particular Friday evening, the sun had already set as it was during the beginning of winter. We had scheduled an outing between us colleagues after work. After I had finished university, I joined a nearby enterprise. We planned to drive to a gas station and from then on we would go together to Ben's farmhouse. I was 22 at that time and being part of a group of four men in their mid-20s, nothing seemed unnatural.
As the clock turned towards 6 pm, some of my colleagues started departing towards our meeting point. I was trustworthy for shutting down the office. I had to remain there for a few endless minutes.
Step
"-!"
A sudden footstep sound made me flinch in fright.
I peeped through the window and noticed someone near my car in that deserted parking lot. The possibility of a burglar or criminal nearby encompassing my thoughts.
The person was wearing a hoodie with stale jeans. He looked in his 50s and was strolling back and forth near my vehicle. I began being uncomfortable, I wanted to tell this man to walk away from my car. Was I being an introvert or simply panicking for no reason. I finished off locking the front door and left towards my car. I glared around my car for a whole to detect if someone implemented something to my car. I sat down in the driver's seat, checked the rear window and everything appeared normal. I drove off towards the destination I was given by Ben, I was already delayed and had to rush there.
I never had heard of that gas station, so I utilized a navigation app to drive there. 20 minutes into the drive, a sudden traffic jam arose, it was written in the stars, I will certainly miss our outing. I took the next exit that came out, perhaps I will arrive there on time. I looked up to the sky, it was pitch black, the road ahead didn't have any streetlights. It got darker as I went further down the road, the journey was immense, however, the navigation app notified me that I would be there in 15 minutes.
Suddenly, I heard weird squeaks from my front tyre.
The hissing continued to be heard when I moved any further.
