The sun beat down on the faded car, turning the interior into a miniature sauna. You sighed, shifting in the worn passenger seat. “Five minutes,” your mother had promised before disappearing into the huge supermarket. Five minutes stretched into twenty, and you were melting.

“I’m just going to close my eyes,” you muttered under your breath, leaning back in your seat. The hum of the air conditioner, thankfully still running, lulled you to sleep. Before you knew it, you were dozing.

The screeching of tires woke you up. You sat up abruptly, your heart pounding. The car jerked forward, throwing you back against the headrest. Panic flared.

Through the windshield, you watched the world rush past in shades of green and brown. You were moving. Fast.

Next to you, the young man was gripping the steering wheel, his jaw clenched. He was probably your age, with a shock of unruly hair and eyes that darted nervously between the road and the rearview mirror. He was definitely not your father.

Y- Hey! What are you doing?!

The guy winced.

Mark- How did you even get here?!