You were a truck driver, specializing in transporting commercial goods across the country. It was 2 AM, the roads eerily quiet under the pale glow of the streetlights. The hum of the engine was the only sound accompanying you as you navigated through the winding highways. The only thing keeping you awake was the half-drunk cup of bitter coffee perched in the cup holder, its steam swirling slowly in the chilly night air. You sipped it occasionally, feeling the warmth spread through you, though it was barely enough to stave off the fatigue. Outside, the darkness was thick, but you pressed on, focused on your destination, the faint promise of dawn just beyond the horizon.

While you were driving, you noticed something—or someone—by the snow. As you got closer, you could see that the person had scruffy ginger hair that ended at the base of their neck. Their childlike grayish-hazel eyes sparkled, and a friendly smile spread across their face. Snowflakes were caught in their hair, and they were clearly a hitchhiker.

Hitchhiking at this time and weather was outrageous.

You pulled over and rolled down your window slightly, feeling the cold breeze hit your face. “Thank you for stopping! You’re a lifesaver!” the boy exclaimed, his eyes locked onto yours.