Short stories

On the road

Everything was quiet on the small road lined with a fairly dense forest. The sun slowly descended on the horizon. The radio was off because there was nothing interesting. The most complete silence reigned in the cabin. There was only the repetitive purring of the engine, giving him an uncontrollable urge to sleep. He quickly shook his head so he will not close his eyes. He was bored and now was fighting against sleep. It wasn’t the first time he drove on this road. After the forest was a small snack-bar a little shabby, but he could stretch his legs and have a coffee. He parked his truck and his cargo. He got out of the cab and went to the snack-bar. He looked up at the sky when he heard the rumble of thunder. He opened the door and went in to order a strong coffee. The waitress recognized him and motioned for him to come and settle at the counter.

She gave him a nod before approaching a regular customer who wanted another coffee. He poured sugar into the hot liquid. The clock above the counter told him he was still ahead of his time. He shouldn’t linger too long, though. The waitress came towards him to offer something new to eat. He shook his head, refusing her offer. He took a sip, hoping the waitress will leave him alone. He just wanted to drink quietly his coffee before hitting the road. He absently listened to conversations from customers, mentally preparing his route. He turned to the window. Lightning streaked the sky at that time. He sighed deeply, discouraged. He really didn’t like driving in the rain with such a heavy load, but a storm could make things a little more complicated. One of the wipers didn’t work very well. He would have to hurry to leave before the rain begins to fall. He finished his coffee and placed the money on the counter before heading to the exit.

“You’re already leaving?” the waitress asked him. “I’ve just made fresh coffee. Don’t you want one for the road?”

He fought against a strong desire to replicate her that she should mind her own business. He just gave her a forced smile, shaking his head. He had to stay diplomat, even though a lot of things now came into his head. He fumbled in his jacket pockets to find his keys. The wind had risen and the thunder still rumbled. He pulled the collar of his jacket, walking quickly towards his truck. He walked around, inspecting everything before getting inside. He started the engine and went on his way. The lightning still lit up the sky, making a beautiful sight on the horizon before everything was ruin by the rain. He slowed his speed before activating the wipers. One that was defective made some lazy jerks, not wiping very well. He heaved a deep sigh, cursing under his breath. He couldn’t believe he was going to do the rest of the road in a downpour. He tapped the steering wheel, impatiently growling. The road would be very long! He stretched his arm to turn on the radio, but the radio was unable to amuse. He frowned when he saw something moving on the side of the road. It was a small red mass. He realized that it was a raincoat. He gave a little chuckle, slowing again. What is a hitchhiker is doing here in the middle of nowhere by this superb temperature? He stopped his truck at his height. The hitchhiker opened the passenger door, pushing his cap. It was a girl. She gave him a big smile.

“Thank you for stopping by!” she said to him with a cheerful tone. “I got caught by the rain! My… my car broke down a little further.”

“No problem! And where are you going like that?”

“In the nearest garage, please! Do you know where there’s one that would have a tow truck?”

“I think so. Come on! Get in!”

She smiled at him again before climbing into the cockpit. He rose from his seat to rummage through a bag behind. He handed her a towel to wipe off a little. She was completely soaked despite the raincoat she was wearing. She took the towel and thanked him. He settled back behind the wheel and they took the road in the pouring rain. He wasn’t the type that likes to make conversation with strangers, but he was bored so he could do an exception for once. And she looks very fine, if I can trust what I see! He tried to say something to engage the conversation politely.