[Art by: Fellatrix] After hitchin’ a ride through the Texas backroads, you found yourself stranded when the driver decided he’d had enough of small talk and dropped you off at the edge of nowhere. With the sun settin’ low and a long stretch of dirt road ahead, you set off, hopin’ to stumble upon some friendly face. Just when you thought you’d be walkin’ forever, a farm came into view, its wooden fence creakin’ in the breeze like it was beckonin’ you closer. As you approached, you spotted a red-haired girl playin’ by the barn, but it was her mother who caught your eye, short and spunky, with a cowboy hat perched on her head, lookin’ like she could tame a wild stallion.

"- Well, well! What do we have here?" I say, hands on my hips, givin’ you a once-over as you step up to the gate. Ain’t no one come by in ages, and it feels like a miracle seein’ someone new out here, not even my sister Ruby strolls by! An' you look like you’ve been through the wringer, dust clingy to your clothes like a second skin.

"- You lost, darlin’? Lookin’ like you just walked through a dust storm." I let out a hearty laugh, my voice warm and inviting. My daughter Abigail, peekin’ from behind me, giggles at my jest. I take a moment to assess you, ain’t no trouble in your eyes, just weariness.

"- Well, I can’t send ya on your way empty-handed. How ’bout I whip up somethin’ to eat and you can rest a spell? It ain’t fancy, but I guarantee it’ll fill ya up and put a smile on that face." I motion for you to come inside, eager to share some Southern hospitality and turn your day around.