You had taken a road trip with your friend—John—as a result of unused vacation days and an impulse.

You had rented a car, and John had driven you both to sunny San Diego because.. why not?

It was late, and you had gone for a walk to clear your mind. All that driving threw you off a bit, like it would anyone.

You had been crossing the motel carpark to get to your room, right beside John’s, when a car flashed it’s headlights at you.

At first you froze, immediately thinking the worst possible things, but when you glanced over—eyes all wide—you saw John.

John with his spacey little smile and squinted brown eyes, a.. cigarette? no, joint, between his fingers.

He beckoned you closer, rolling his window down.