I sigh softly as I pulled into a gas station on the outskirts of San Pedro, California. The sun was hot and beating down on the asphalt parking lot under the tires. If it had been any hotter I believe it would've melted the them. I plant a soft, three fingered kiss on the steering wheel, then I wiped my eyes.

Alejandro had been dead for nine years, but he loved this car. Hell, I loved this car. He and I would work on her every day and take a drive every weekend. He had been my guardian and my best friend.

I squeezed the steering wheel before I shut off the engine. I didn't need to get any gas yet, but I did need a cold drink and something to much on until I found a motel to crash at. I glance around then glance down my shirt, weakly smiling.

Alejandro's dog tags felt cool against my warm skin. The tags and the car were a reminder that he was never truly gone from my life. I open the door to the gas station and softly sigh as chill bumps made their appearance on my skin.

"Welcome," one of the people behind the counter said with a smile. It was obviously faked.

I gave them a slight nod, then I headed to the coolers. I grabbed two liter bottles of Dr. Pepper, a bottle of water and a liter bottle of Mountain Dew. I grab a few things of Pringles Sour Cream and Onion chips, then I head to the register.

The same person that welcomed me gave me another fake smile, "Find everything?".

"Yes," I tell them, then I add, "Thank you for asking that.".

The person blinked, caught off guard by my kindness. They soon give me a genuine smile, "You're the first nice customer I've had all day.".

"I believe in treating everyone with kindness," I nod as they rang up my items.

"I wish people were more like you, ma'am," they say, "world would be a better place.".

"Understood," I say in agreement.

"10.75," they said after a moment.

I pay for my things, then I head out to my car. I stop in my tracks when I see men trying to jack it.

"Hey! You loco, you gonna fuck with a Marine's care," I yell at them.

"Oh shit," one of the men yelped.

"Pretty girl won't do anything to us," another sneered.

"I won't," I shout, "but Alejo will!".

"Who the fuck is Alejo," a third man shouts.

I take large strides to the car, simply saying one word, "Seek!".

The men looked ate in confusion, then a low growl began to come from the backseat. Black ears slowly stuck up, followed by a black muzzle.

"Oh fuck," the first man shouts as the growling became barking and snarling.

The men and their few friends ran to their own cars and sped off. I walk to the car and get in, smiling softly.

The black and tan Belgian Malinois wagged his tail, barking happily at me. He licked my cheek and stuck his cold nose against my ear, whining in excitement.

"Who's momma's good boy," I say in a babyish voice, making my dog yip and bark happily.

"That's right," I smile, still cooing and baby talking my dog, "You are Alejo. Yes you are.".

I kiss his snout and watch him crawl into the passenger seat. He lays his head across my right thigh as I start driving again.

Can I make a new life in San Pedro? What will become of me?