It’s Cold, I’m Hungry? 

IT’S HOT and I’M TIRED!!!

   After Joe had decided that Danny and I had it in for him, we had to find another ride. I was still determined to make it to the West coast- whether this was to establish a “normal” life is lost to the fog of years. I do know that Danny had claimed he was a paratrooper, and I had believed him. His tall tales about San Diego were just that; embellished fantasies of a life he had never lived. ( This was brought to light about 4 years later…)

   There in the dusty truckstop parking lot, I bathed as best I could from a hose behind the building. After sizing up the various drivers, I spoke to a dark haired gentleman with a nice cowboy hat. He had dismounted his gleaming honey-colored rig in high style; my thoughts, ever cinematic, compared him to Burt Reynolds. His dark eyes looked me up and down, but he spoke with kindness.

” Where you headed, girl?” he queried, squinting behind tortise rimmed glasses.

   ” West, sir, just West. We haven’t really decided much else…”

   ‘Who’s “we””, he asked, “That long-haired fella with the dog?” He nodded his head toward Danny, walking Spicedog in a nearby strip of grass and mud.

   “Yes…and I have a kitten.” I pulled my sweatshirt up a bit, high enough for him to glimpse the kitten nestled in the crook of my arm.

   ” WHAT in the world? What were y’all thinking, bringing these animals along? Nevermind, it’s none of my business. I’m on a run to El Paso, if you want to ride. Not leaving till 7. Be out by the truck.”

  “By the way, what’s your name, little Sister?”

   Amazed at our good fortune, I swung around, happily.

  ” Lilly, my name is Lilly!”.