The Diner

I was finally on my way out of the city. Only one hour down and I was passing the city limits and the big neon sign welcoming you in.

My perfect goodbye was definitely seeing that sign in the distance fade away into nothing.

I kept driving for who knows how long. Each car that passed by was just a blur and the highway felt like it dragged on forever.

Halfway through my drive I was starting to get tired. I should’ve left as soon as the last box went into the truck but Janet was extremely convincing to go to the diner one last time.

I passed a sign that said there was food at the next exit. I guess I was starting to feel slightly hungry, and could probably use a coffee or four.

3 miles off the highway there was another small diner. I guess diners were the new big restaurants? Or maybe this is a sign I should go back. Nope, no. I’ve driven to far and I’ve already given up my flat. There is no way I’m going back.

I parked the car in a spot off to the side and hopped out. This place was definitely in the outskirts of somewhere. There was only one other car parked on the other far end of the lot. Was this place even open?

As I reached the door, it swung open with a jingle and a man came barging out. He looked frantic, pale, scared maybe? What the hell was I walking into? He stared at me wide eyed and then suddenly stood straighter, smiled, and kept walking. Okay…weird. Whatever, the smell of coffee is the only thing keeping me here.

A woman greeted me and told me to sit anywhere. Just like Janet and I’s diner I sat in the corner with the window. Only this window just showed the woods and nothing more.

“And where are you coming from?”

I jumped slightly, a woman with blonde hair tightly pulled into a bun smiled at me as she brought me a menu.

“The city.” I replied curtly. I didn’t want to be rude but should I really be telling people I don’t know where I’m headed and where I’m coming from? The man was odd enough, and I did not want to turn into the next cold case.

“Ah, the city. That’s where everyone comes from no? I’m Linda, I’ll be taking care of you. Would you like any coffee, water?”

”Coffee will be fine, thanks.” I spared her one more glance as she walked away. The menu was short and sweet, three items. A BLT was the first thing on the list. Perfect. How many more signs were going to come my way today?

Linda came back with my coffee and took my order. Thank whoever came up with the idea of coffee because this was surely needed if I was making it to Brookeville.

My sandwich showed up soon after my coffee and I quickly ate. Something about this place was not vibing the right way. Between that man and Linda’s smile, I had to get out of here.

Linda came back with my check and I handed her some cash.

“So where are you heading? I’ve never seen you traveling through before and we normally only get frequent fliers!”

“Oh, uh, Brookeville. I’m starting college there. It’s my first time leaving the city.”

Lindas brows furrowed ever so slightly, and a frown tugged at the corner of her lips. She quickly adjusted, honestly if I wasn’t staring at her I don’t think I would’ve noticed any change in her demeanor.

“Good luck out there. They’ve got some old legends that only seem to drive people away, not bring them in. Just be careful.” Linda smiled and took my check with the cash.

Good luck? What did she mean by that?

I quickly finished my coffee and headed for the door. It opened with a jingle and I started making my way toward the car.

Was I about to leave one problem and only enter another? No, Brookeville won’t be like that. It’s a fresh start, new, exciting.

I can do this.