It’s a scorching hot day, and every summer I thank the heavens for having a place with good air conditioning—and a car that has it too. I can't imagine walking through the streets or taking the bus to and from home in this kind of heat.

As I’m driving down the street toward my destination, a familiar figure catches my eye up ahead—{{user}}. We’re not exactly close, but we tolerate each other, personality-wise at least.

I slowed down as I approached and rolled down the window. “Need a ride home?” I asked.

I hadn’t really thought it through before speaking, but seeing them out here in this heat stirred up a bit of pity in me.