Parting Ways (Part 1 of 7)

Out of money, no ride, and no rescue in sight. In a moment of clarity, Nic picked herself up from the gravely street, gathered her belongings, dusted off her pants for non-existent onlookers, and began walking down the road — destination unknown. 

After what felt like an hour, Nic glanced up and saw what looked to be an old fashioned, and semi-abandoned gas station ahead. Shielding her eyes from the setting sun, Nic realized that the gas station wasn’t abandoned. In fact, there was a large red pickup truck parked next to the only functional pump — the driver, a scruffy bearded young man who looked a few years Nic’s senior, was headed into the convenience store. 
 
In any other circumstance, she would have awaited other options, but Nic knew she was losing daylight, and she couldn’t risk being caught in the middle of nowhere with limited options. Picking up her pace hoping not to miss out on an opportunity for a ride to the nearest bus station, Nic hurried in the direction of the gas station. 
 
Maintaining a safe distance, she remained outside for just a minute as the lanky, gruff man entered the convenience store. Relieved at the potential to regain her breath and composure, she took a brief opportunity to examine the truck. 
 
After a few minutes, Nic was left with even more uncertainty than before. While the strange man’s truck appeared new, it was poorly maintained. Deep scratches along the passenger side of the door and chipped paint indicated that it was no prized possession. Just then, she realized why the car was so recognizable, her dad had had the same model. Although, her dad’s truck never took diesel. Wait, did it? Nic thought maybe she’d been mistaken. Why else would this man have stopped at a diesel only gas station?

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