CHAPTER 1

  The raindrops splattered on the windshield as I cruised on the I-5 North freeway. The steady speed of 60 MPH felt safe despite the horrendous conditions on the road. Rainy, overcast, cold, and dark. I was prepared for this kind of drive since I’m used to unsafe driving conditions in Florida, where rain can pour on you without any warning. It goes from bright and clear to dark and hazy in an instant, where the headlights and windshield wipers are the only things keeping me alive.

  It was necessary for me to pull over until the downpour was over, and I could see again. At least, see enough for me to drive. Melo, my 1 year old Yorkie/German Shepherd mix was completely oblivious in the back seat, noticing how different the pine trees were compared to the ones he has seen in the south.

  I needed to access the internet so I could post some pictures on X (formerly Twitter). I was able to get wifi from Panera, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Hardies, Starbucks, and Walmart in Jacksonville. That’s where Melo and I used to live until we headed to the I-10 West 6 months ago, having travelled across the country again. This was my fifth time doing this and Melo’s 2nd time. I passed by an exit that displayed Starbucks, so I kept going. When I saw the M sign that stood for McDonalds, I decided to take the exit. I didn’t know where I was, but I knew I had to stop since I was running low on gas.

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  “Look, there’s Subway!” I exclaimed to Melo. I met him at a Subway in Lake Conroe, Texas.

  “Do you have wifi here?” I asked the guy behind the Subway counter in the Arco AMPM gas station.

  “No maam.”

  I kept driving in this strange town. I have never been here, but it looked like a small town. I passed by a lake, some boats, campers, and roads that looked like a nice peaceful drive. I didn’t know where I was, so I had to stop by another local gas station.

  “Do you know where the I-5 is?” I asked the lady behind the counter.

  “Yes, go back to the highway. When you reach the end, make a right on College Road. You will see the freeway from there.”

  “So I’m going the right way?”

  “Yes.”

  “How far is the freeway from here?”

  “About 10 miles.”