Driveu7 Home -

"I cannot let you out," the driver said softly. "You called. You requested the 'Home' drive. Payment is required."

The passenger smiled—a wide, vacant smile—and began to walk into the white, waiting for the next ride.

The driver was... unremarkable. He wore a crisp, grey uniform and a cap pulled low. His face was forgettable, the kind of face you looked at and immediately forgot. But his smile was too wide, stretching just a little too far across his cheeks. driveu7 home

This time, the pain was sharper. Elias groped for the name of his wife. He looked at his ring finger. A gold band sat there. He knew he was married. He knew he loved her. But her name... her name was a void. A silent scream in his mind.

The driver didn't move. He tapped the ledger. "I am afraid the meter does not run on distance, Elias. It runs on the detour." "I cannot let you out," the driver said softly

Elias laughed nervously. "Look, buddy, I don't know what kind of scam this is. Just drive me to 4th and Main, or let me out."

"No!" Elias curled into a ball on the backseat, covering his ears. "I won't let you!" Payment is required

You're in the passenger seat, asleep. Or pretending to be. Your hand rests on the center console, fingers curled slightly. I don't wake you. Some conversations don't need words. Some drives are just about the quiet between exits.