▂ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █----- 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 -----█ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▂

🚦Getting to know the town🚦

ᴅᴏᴄ ʜᴜᴅꜱᴏɴ'ꜱ ᴘᴏᴠ:

"What brings you and your daughter here, Miss Adler?" Sally suddenly asked. 

Nataly, who has been drinking Fillmore's organic oil for the last few times, nervously replied with a smile, "Well, w-we...we actually are looking for a place to stay until we can hit the road again."

The thought of Nataly leaving, made my engine ache, I couldn't help but notice her tone was hesitant, as if she was hiding something and yet, I refrained from asking and continued listening to the conversation.

"I see. Traveling can be quite the adventure, especially with a little one in tow." She glanced at Heidi, who was playing around with Mater. "How old is she?"

"Heidi's six," Nataly said, her eyes lighting up with pride: "She's been my little explorer since the day she was born."

 Sheriff hummed, "Did you have a job?"

"Mommy used to be a historian writer." The little girl told him, making everyone impressed including Doc, "Well, used to be, she's now retired."

'A historian writer, huh? That explained how she knew Sarge's background.' 

I mentally chuckled until I realized something that made my stomach sink in dread, the presence of a historian here was something I should be wary of. I understood the importance of memories and history but I couldn't shake the feeling that someone like her could put my secret past at risk. 

Curiosity gnawed at me, though, and I found myself leaning in. "So, where exactly are you from?

"I used to live in Motor City, Detroit," she said, her voice strong yet warm, "But originally I was born in Thomasville."

A flicker of surprise washed over Sheriff that whose eyes twinkled. 

"Hey, Doc! You're from Thomasville too!" His grin only widened as I felt the knot of uneasiness growing in the pit of my stomach. I swallowed hard, my mind racing with the possible connections. 

The thought of her potentially knowing my past as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet was a bitter pill to swallow: "Strange, but I think I do remember you," She casually mentioned, just as I was wrestling through my senses, that I should prepare for the worst. 

Then, she unexpectedly, asks me, "You requested my autograph at the Mechanical Schools of Carburetor County for my book 'History Behind a Doctor's Mind', didn't you?"

My jaw dropped, momentarily speechless. 

"I—uh," I stammered, my brain racing. "You recognized me?"

Her yellow eyes sparkled with a playful glint reminiscent of Heidi's. "Recognize you? Yes. I assume you weren't just after an autograph; you were eager for my attention!"

Laughter erupted from the group like a fresh breeze, and even I couldn't help but nervously chuckle at my embarrassment. However, the thought of her remembering me from my school days—sent a welcoming relief.

'At least it wasn't about my racing days.'

And before I could say anything, Sally chimed in, "You know, Nataly, we have a Cozy Cone that's perfect for you and Heidi. It's comfortable and cozy, plus it's free of charge." 

I noticed a look of surprise spread across Nataly's face. She shared a brief glance with her daughter, who was yawning and leaning against her, "I'm *yawn* tired, Mommy..." Her voice faded into soft snores, and I couldn't help but smile at how adorable the little one was. 

"Are you sure, Sally? I don't want to impose," Nataly's voice laced with hesitation. 

Sally waved her tire dismissively, "Nonsense! It's what we do here; we want to make sure everyone feels at home. Plus, I promise you, it's as cozy as a nest and perfect for a tired little one like Heidi."