red moon over west virginia - 14. the highway

by jeremy witherington

part 14 of 36

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trixie could not get back to sleep. the dream about the hotel and the algebra test lingered in her mind. she wondered if there was any place open where she could get a cup of coffee and maybe a donut or a piece of apple pie. she had not noticed any cafes or such when she had walked up the highway to the motel after being dropped off at the crossroads. she decided to go outside and take a look. even if she could not find any place open, the walk would be good exercise and might tire her out enough to help her get back to sleep when she got back. there was nobody at the desk when she went downstairs. the only light was a red light, not blinking, on the phone on the desk. trixie went outside. the highway had a super deserted look. there was only one car in the parking lot - probably the desk clerk's. she walked down to the highway. to the left was the road back to the airport and she could not remember seeing any cafeterias or franchise places on it, so she started walking to the right. the road stretched straight before her. she decided to walk to the first bend - or for ten minutes, whichever came first - look around the bend, and if she did not see anything, start back. she checked the time on her phone and started walking. next