Nice story. The road’s a funny place, whether in traffic or otherwise. I once remember a commute that lasted 4 hours. Needs must and all, you know. Well one time, coming back, feeling the weight of the job lifting, the rolling green Cascades giving way to the flat beauty of the Scablands, the rain falling hard, I saw an old truck stuck on the side.

Against my best instincts I stopped to see if they needed help. The man was raving about a spare tire and I said I could go get one, but he wouldn’t listen to me. Or, actually, he acted like I wasn’t there. Why is that?

We all kinda know when someone’s off. Or at least I’d like to think I do but much of it is my middle class upbringing.

Anyways, I started to walk away from this guy and suddenly I realize that my car is gone. I have my keys. And I grew up where I lock everything, but the car is gone and the highway seems different.

I looked back and the man is starting his car back up.

I asked for a ride to the nearest town. I wasn’t sure what was going on, but my phone had no bars, no way to reach anyone. He seemed to expect this, so I was wary about a trap.

Who knows if I end up in some snuff movie this way, right?

As the highway swerves around cliffs and peaks I know don’t exist, the man keeps talking about his spare tire. By this time, I kinda figure I’m in big trouble and that there’s no such thing as the law out here, so I’m thinking, what do I have to fight this guy with?

We stop in a town where everyone is old and staring at me.

Hungry kinda staring, right?

So I leave the car, the man talking about his spare tire, and I try to find my way out, but there’s no way out. I’m locked in.

And I can sense that everyone is walking towards me.

Now I’m surrounded.

I’m what’s for dinner.

The man appears and accuses me of stealing his tire. His spare tire and everyone shakes their head at me.

My hearts beating fast and when I move to speak, to defend myself, my voice doesn’t work. But they’re slow, old, so I think no problem, I just have to out run them.

I move to sprint and dodge the first old guy, but my feet are stuck to the ground. I swing my arms at him, but he’s suddenly quick this old guy and I only hit air. And then they’re all on me.