The Inception of Ryan Smithers -- GiftFic

by ChequeRoot

Ryan Smithers has no reason to stay in Philadelphia. After his mother's death, he decides to follow Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica. A long drive to clear his head. By device or design, he meets Larry Burns and learns of the father he never knew; Waylon Smithers. Naturally, his travel plans change. - A gift for Gav-Imp featuring her OC, Ryan Smithers. Cover Art (c) Gav-Imp.

5. Chapter 5

Author's Notes:

I'd wanted to use Ryan Smithers in an upcoming story, but before I really got a chance to ask Gav-Imp if that was okay, she'd already asked if I could do this piece for her. I did so gladly. She's given me some amazing artwork from my other stories. It was my pleasure to return the favor.

The tone of this story was taken a great deal from some of my own thoughts. I've driven from one end of this country to the other, and back again, multiple times. Occasionally I've been able to take it leisurely, sometimes I've got a timetable to keep; and there have been a few times I've felt as if I were chased by nothing more than my own restless thoughts. "The Glass Menagerie" is a great play, for Tom's ending piece alone. I recommend it.

As for the route Ryan takes in this story? Well, anyone could hop on these roads and follow in his footsteps. From the cemetery near the cancer treatment center in Pennsylvania to the Filini Bar at the Aqua Tower, it's all real.

Road trips can sometimes be hard to write, especially with a single traveler. It's a great time for one's own personal reflection, but it can be very boring to relay to another. Writing stories of the road, sometimes it can turn into a list of directions from Mapquest or something: "Turn north on I-55. Get off on I-384." Whatever. Stuff like that. One can fall prey to labeling geography, and completely lose the mood!

This is what I tried, most sincerely to avoid.

Anyone who has ever done a long haul, or rushed to get home to their loved ones after said long-haul knows the road takes on an almost organic feel. There are highways I am nostalgic for. There are others I dread setting tire to. Roads were meant to be driven. The longest drive I ever made was about 2,300 miles straight; one way.

It sure does make the United States seem smaller when you realize how much of it is just an interstate away. All I have to do is hop on a transcontinental road, drive, and I can get anywhere. Some places might take a bit longer to get to than others, but that's about it. Travelling by jet is fun, but there's something curative about a long drive. At least there is for Ryan and I.

And what happens when he does arrive in Springfield? Well, that is, I'm afraid, a story for another day.

Thanks for reading. Great to see you again. It's been my pleasure to write this for you all.

~ Muse