Unfortunately for me, that southern hospitality goes hand-in-hand with small talk.
“What brings ya out here?”
“Family,” I lie. “My uncle moved out here a long time ago, but he needs some help with fixing up his house now that he’s getting older. Figured I’d come help out and get away from the city for a while.”
They nod in unison. “It’s beautiful up here,” the girl says with a smile. “Not nearly as much to do as there is in the city, but it’s so much more peaceful.”
I nod. “I bet. I’m excited to get away from it all.”Understatement of the century.
Just then, a red 2000s Chevy truck pulls into the lot. The couple waves to the man in the truck, and when he pulls up alongside us, I give him a sheepish smile.
“Hey, Dad. Can we give her a ride to her uncle’s house? Poor thing left her phone on the bus.”
He scratches his beard. “Sure, but I don’t know how y’all are gonna fit in this little truck.” Shit. It’s a small truck, one with a front seat that can barely fit three people.
“I can ride in the back if that’s okay,” I say quickly, gesturing to the bed of the truck.
The girl frowns. “I feel bad.”
“Seriously, you guys giving me a ride is incredibly generous, and I have no other option. I’d be more than happy to ride in the back. Plus, it’s a beautiful night.” I flash a smile, which seems to put them at ease.
“If you say so.” The girl shrugs and hops into the middle seat.
“Do you know the address you’re headed to?” The girl’s father asks.
“Oh, right.” I pull the paper with directions from the front pocket of my backpack and hand it to him.
His daughter types it into her phone and shows him the location on the map.
He furrows his brow and glances up at me.
“You sure this is the right place?”
I nod, even though I’ve never been less sure of anything in my life.
“Alright, then.”
The younger man loads their suitcases into the truck bed, and I do the same before climbing in and sitting on the dusty, rusted metal.
The truck jolts to a start, and soon we’re taking sharp turns through mountain back roads, snaking through the thicket of trees. My hair whips in the cool evening air, but I can’t bring myself to care about how tangled it will be. Anxious anticipation wells in my chest with every minute that passes, and I don’t know if it’s hope or fear taking hold. Maybe both.
This is undoubtedly the biggest leap of faith I’ve ever taken. But my mystery man watching me without harming me shows he’s not an immediate threat, and the address in my pocket was undoubtedly placed there by him. How, I’m not sure, but I intend to find outeverything.
Twilight paints the sky in a bruised purple that’s quickly fading to the blackness of night. Finally, the truck slows and turns into a driveway but stops before an old, wrought iron gate.
This is it.
Butterflies take flight in my stomach as I hop up and swing my feet over the side of the truck, finding the foothold before stepping down and heaving my suitcase with me.
The driver rolls down his window. “This the right place?” he asks, skepticism still etched on his expression.
I nod and reach toward my pocket. “Yeah. Thank you so much for the ride. I have cash if?—”
“No need,” he interrupts. “I’m happy to help.”
“Well, thank you again.”
He casts a uneasy glance around and lowers his voice. “One more thing. They say the devil lives in these woods, and I’m inclined to believe there’s some truth to that. Be careful.”
