2: Creepy
“Why’d you take the wrong exit?”
“I, uh, don’t think I did, actually. We’re just getting a few snacks and then back on the road.”
“Oh, right, my mistake, you’re just getting a few snacks and then back on the road. With your nice family, going to your nice home, in Cincinnati.”
“Woah, dude. How do you know where we’re going?”
“Lucky guess, I suppose. Be careful out there though, roads are looking bad.”
“Yeah, we’ll be… just fine.”
Monica emerges from the bathroom, feeling much better.
“Thank you, sir. I needed that big time.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Wilson completes the purchase and they all exit the station.
At the pump, Wilson fills the tank and mulls the interaction at the counter. He feels a cold unease.
‘Dang, that dude was creepy. I bet he’s in there thinking of ways to murder us.’
‘But whatever, kids got their snacks, Monica’s relieved, let’s get outta here.’
“Everybody ready to go?” he asks. The kids respond, “Yeah dad, let’s go home!”
“Thanks again for stopping, honey.” Monica can tell something’s bothering him.
Maybe it’s just the bad weather? Or maybe that weird clerk back at the gas station gave him a hard time?
As they head back to the main highway, ice and sleet have really picked up again.
Wilson adjusts his speed down, determined to push through the storm.