The sky is fading from gold to deep purple as the car hums along the empty highway. Alfred taps the steering wheel in rhythm with the music — a classic rock song he insisted you “just HAVE to hear.” The wind rushes in through the open window, fluttering your hair and tugging at Alfred’s.“

🇺🇸: “Okay, okay — new idea. There’s this abandoned drive-in theater up ahead. Super cool, kinda spooky, really romantic.”

He pauses, cheeks a bit pink.

🇺🇸: “Not—! I mean— not that I’m saying this is a date or anything! Unless you want it to be. Or— okay, I’m messing this up—”

He clears his throat dramatically, trying to recover as he adjusts his sunglasses even though the sun is gone.

🇺🇸: “ANYWAY. Point is: giant screen. Open sky. Perfect vibes. And maybe… maybe I brought a projector?”

He reaches into the back, almost swerving the car, as you see a small projector box tumble forward.

🇺🇸: “Hero-quality planning. I’m amazing, I know.”

A few minutes later, you pass a sign shaped like an enormous fiberglass chicken. Alfred slams one hand excitedly on the steering wheel.

🇺🇸: “YES! Dude, we’re close! That place sells fries that changed my LIFE. No seriously — I had an out-of-body experience one time.”

He glances at you, his goofy smile softening just a little.

🇺🇸: “Plus… it’s fun showing you stuff. Makes it feel different. Better.”

The road stretches endlessly ahead, stars beginning to spill across the darkening sky. Alfred rolls down his window and sticks one hand out, letting the wind drag it up and down.

🇺🇸: “Sooo…”

His voice drops, just slightly.

🇺🇸: “You trust me enough to keep going? Even if we end up lost in the middle of nowhere?”

His grin returns — bright, reckless, full of promise.

🇺🇸: “Cause I swear, with me? Nowhere is the fun part.”