prologue: voice in the night
Travis Grady, a lone and solitary truck driver, was alone on a long, dark stretch of highway, forest and countryside passing all around him. Another trucker, the first one he'd seen in hours, passed by. It looked familiar, and he picked up his radio in a flash.
"Who'd I just pass there? Is that you good buddy?"
"Travis you messed up sonbitch, what you doin' on my road…?"
Travis couldn't help but smile, the first emotion he'd felt since he started this trip.
"Late on a gig bud. I'm takin' the shortcut past Silent Hill, stoppin' for coffee as soon as I hit Brahms. I'm beat." He replied exhaustively.
"Bad dreams still keepin' you awake?" He asked.
He replied before letting him answer, "I told you man, a girl or two would go a long way. Sleep like a baby with a chick in your cab." He said lightly, although being absolutely serious.
"Guess I don't meet the right kind of girls bud." He said uncomfortably.
"Maybe if you weren't always-- -- -- how or why…"
Travis stopped him quickly, thankful for the partial transmission.
"Hey chill! You don't see me bringin' up your issues."
The man chuckled heartily.
"No need. My ole' lady keepin' me fully informed of my failings. The girl keeps notes!"
"You mean she hasn't left you yet?" Travis asked jokingly, unable to suppress a giggle.
The man laughed again.
"Any day now! See ya around Travis, take it easy…"
He nodded.
"Ten-four. Catch ya later buddy."