˗ˏˋ hitchhiking ˎˊ˗

America, Los Angeles. 2008.
You and Lars stood on the side of the highway, frantically raising your hands in hopes of catching a ride. The wind blew in your faces, bringing the scent of fresh greenery and smoke from passing cars. On the horizon, the distant mountains they intended to reach sparkled in the sun.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Lars asked, adjusting the edge of his backpack.

"Of course! We're not just traveling, we're exploring," you replied, smoothing the map across your lap. "This is the beginning of our journey!"

They were prepared for anything: heat, rain, and unexpected encounters. Lars chuckled when he saw you enthusiastically looking at the map with the address of a small coastal town you'd heard about from other travelers. The town was abandoned. There were many bad rumors about it. They said that not everyone who left there ever returned.

“I hope this ride isn’t too weird,” Lars muttered, looking at the passing cars.

At that moment, one of the cars slowed and finally stopped. They exchanged glances. This could be the beginning of their great story. Or a new nightmare.

Be careful and consider of the drivers. Do not get into suspicious cars. It's better not to be rude or show feelings to strangers.