Keep+driving

You and your friends have weighed the options and decided it would be best to just keep driving. “Dude, I’m starving!” Yells Jack. “Yea, let’s get some tacos!” Hayden chants. “And where do you expect me to find you tacos? We’re out in the middle of nowhere.” Patrick says as he gestures to the land around them. You all take a look out the window. You are in a desert. There is nothing but dirt roads, cactuses, and an occasional howling from an unknown animal. The mention of tacos has made a howl in your stomach that is crying for food. “I’m bored!” Cries Devonte. “Want to hear a scary story?” Hayden says with a wry smile spreading across his face. “Please!” You yell, desperate for something to focus on other than your caving stomach. “It was a night like tonight,” Hayden begins, lowering his voice for impact, “Three boys were out in the desert, looking to hitchhike after their car broke down. They had walked for miles with nothing but dead sand at their feet. Just then, the boys heard a howl coming from somewhere close. They all stopped in their tracks, waiting to see if the creature would howl again. Silence. The boys continued to walk. Another howl. But this time, the howl came from right behind them. The boys turned around to find a coyote staring at them, drooling with hunger. The boys began to run as fast as their legs allowed them to, but the coyote was too fast. He caught up with the boys and ate all of them!” Hayden yelled. All the boys stared at him with blank expressions, clearly not amused or afraid. “Really? That’s it?” You ask, clearly still bored. Hayden shrugs. “Can we pull over? I’ve got to stretch my legs.” Jack complains. All the other boys agree and you all pull over. You all take the time to stretch your legs and walk around once you’re out of the car. Everyone sighs in relief. You all stay out for about five minutes. You turn around to get back in the car, but when you try to open the door, it is locked. “Patrick, unlock the door.” You say. “I don’t have the keys…” He says, a little confused. Your heart skips a beat as you glance inside the car and see the keys sitting on the dashboard. All of a sudden, you hear a coyote howl in the night. You all exchange glances. You hear a howl again, but this time it is closer. Then, a pack of coyotes begin to appear from the darkness. “Run!” You yell and hope to make it out alive.