Jack and Olivia were finally embarking on their long-awaited road trip from California to Oregon. They had been planning this trip for months since it was Jill's big sister who was getting married and the excitement was building as they packed their bags and loaded their car. They meticulously checked and double-checked to make sure they had everything they needed before they hit the road. Their list included essentials like snacks, water, a map, and a GPS. They also made sure to pack a first aid kit, blankets, and extra clothes for any unforeseen emergencies.


They eagerly set out on their journey, eyes fixed on the vast blue sky above. It was a perfect day for their adventure – the sun was shining, the air was crisp and the sky was a picturesque shade of blue. As they began their trek, they could feel the anticipation building within them. The excitement was palpable as they took on the beauty of their surroundings. However, as the sun started to dip lower in the sky, they knew it wouldn't be long before darkness descended. They quickened their pace, determined to make the most of the remaining daylight. Despite their best efforts, the sky gradually began to change – hints of orange and pink started to mix in with the blue, signaling that nightfall was approaching. Yet, they continued on with determination, knowing that they had to reach their destination before darkness enveloped them completely. They marveled at the beauty of the shifting sky above them and pushed through any fatigue or doubts that may have arisen.


Jack sipped his hot coffee and enjoying the quiet drive. Suddenly, he heard Olivia's off-key singing echoing through the car. With a smirk, he playfully teased her, "Geez, shut up!" Olivia rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh at his comment. Jack loved that he could joke and tease her without any worries or stress. As Olivia continued to sing out of tune, Jack swore out loud "What the fuck?!" He slowed the car down "Is that a kid?" They both looked out the front window to see a child walking alone in the middle of nowhere, her clothes were ragged and torn, her feet bare, leaving small traces of dust behind with every step. Her face was covered in dirt and her hair was matted and messy. She carried a small bag on her back, the only possession she seemed to have. Despite her unkempt appearance, she walked with determination, her eyes set on a distant horizon. It was clear that she had been walking for a long time, with no clear destination in mind. Jack slowed the car down but the little girl continued on, almost invisible to the world around her. "Stop the car! Stop the damn car!" Olivia urged. Jack quickly stopped the car as Olivia got out "Hey, are you alright?" She asked the girl.


The little girl's voice was barely audible as she mumbled, her words jumbled and filled with fear. Suddenly, she blurted out a desperate plea, "Gotta find mommy, where's my mommy, I need help!" Tears streamed down her face as she frantically looked around, searching for her mother. Seeing the distress in the little girl's eyes, Olivia knew she needed to help, without hesitation, Olivia took off her sweater and gently wrapped it around the trembling child. "We need to find the police station," Olivia said softly as she led the girl towards the car. The frightened young girl trembled in fear, her hair falling across her forehead, hiding the laceration that was hidden underneath. Olivia's heart raced as she saw the blood slowly dripping down from underneath the girl's hair, she quickly grabbed the first aid kit and rushed to the girl's side. With a steady hand, she carefully placed a gauze over the wound, trying to stop the bleeding. The girl winced in pain but Olivia's gentle touch helped to calm her down.


The child remained silent, but suddenly she let out a blood-curdling scream that startled Jack which made him jump in his seat, almost losing control of the car. As the child's scream echoed through the car, Jack pulled over "What is wrong with you? Tell us so we can help!" He demanded. The frightened girl eyes were wide with fear and her mouth slightly agape. She couldn't speak at first, her trembling hands clutching onto her tattered dress. But slowly, she managed to say in a barely audible voice that she needed to find her mom. Jack could see the fear in her eyes and the desperation in her voice, and he couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards the girl. However, as she spoke, a foul stench permeated the air, causing Jack to quickly open the window.