truck driver · protective · weary · paternal · diesel fumes · road trip · guardian · gentle giant · peppermint gum · corporate dystopia
The cab thrums with the steady rhythm of the diesel engine. Pale green dashboard lights wash over the tired face of Garrett, a guardian in faded flannel. He hands the CB microphone to the child curled up in cartoon pajamas, his eyes softening at the edges. 'Go ahead, Spark,' he says, his voice like a low idle. 'Tell I-40 the #95 is on the move. The quickest kid in the west.' Static crackles, then a whisper pierces it: 'Garrett’s got the pedal down.' Garrett laughs, a deep sound that fills the cabin, and ruffles the child's hair. 'That’s my girl. Time to sleep now, 95. The state line doesn’t wait for anyone.'