Hitchhikers And Highways|✔️

SIX

NIGHT HAD fallen upon the two, the radio was turned off in order for them to speak more- Walter insisted.

He hadn't learnt much about Annabelle, and vice versa, but the there was a mutual feeling of obliviousness between them. As if the trivial talk was agreed on, a temporarily soothing distraction from the problems both are blatantly experiencing.

"So yeah, around 68 flushes." He finishes proudly, retelling the story from his college years. He held a smug grin as he watched his new friend come undone on the seat beside him.

Annabelle was bent at the waist, her hair hanging over her head, she felt the strain in her cheeks as she laughed to the tune of his youth filled tale. "I don't understand why you would!"

"Hey," he began in defence, his head remained towards the open road as his hand raised between them, waving slowly as he tries to justify the stupidity. "We were bored, we had a cake."

"In what mindset?" She could barely get out her question, lungs about to collapse in humour, her smile was filled with loving concern. Contagious. He could feel his attempt to stay serious shatter as the familiar feeling of joy creeped to his cheeks.

"M- mine!" Laughter broke up his words, joy filling the cracks as the stars shone into the car.

And for a second, just for a second, as he laid his eyes on her, the world paused.

It was the feeling you get at the heights of a rollercoaster just before the drop.

It was the feeling you get when you focus on one patch of rainfall and see it in slow motion.

It was the feeling you get when you are so relieved nothing else seems to exist.

It's the feeling he got now.

However Walter tore his gaze away from her, accusing the late night endorphins of messing with his mind.

He clenched his jaw and tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "We should stop somewhere."

Sensing the curt tone in his voice, Annabelle nodded and fluttered her eyes shut, using the window for support. "Wake me up when we get there" She slurred during her attempt to stifle a yawn, failing as she fell into a peaceful slumber.