Route 96

"It's mighty nice of you to show me the quickest way back to the main road... My car quit on me today... Not sure what broke on that piece of junk... What did you say your name was?"

"I'm Jimmy. And it's okay... I don't mind showing you the way. What were you doing out here, mister?"

"I was on my way to meet some friends off route 96. I would've called them or a tow truck already, but I can't get a signal... What grade are you in, Jimmy?"

"I just started fifth grade. I ride my bike here after school to stop by the pond over there to try and catch frogs. It's the long way home but as long as I beat my dad home, I'll be okay. He gets mad if we are not there when he gets there."

"Yep, I get it. Parents are protective. For good reason too! You never know who is out there waiting to snatch you up to kidnap or hurt you... Oh! But you don't have to worry about me, I'm not one of those people, haha."

"No, I'm not worried. You are nice. But there was one time I was out here and two people were arguing right where that little house is. Do you see it?"

"You mean that yellow shack that looks like it's falling apart? What happened? What did they do?"

"It was a man and a woman. I think they were arguing about money. They took something out their trunk and put it inside the... um... shack. When they came out, they saw me staring at them while walking my bike. They yelled at me to get out of here. I was too scared to come back for a week."

"That does sound scary. I wonder what they put in there. Did you ever go look?"

"No way! I'm not going in there! That place looks creepy!"

"It's probably nothing but sounds sketchy. Makes me wonder if I should go look. You did the right thing by leaving."

"Yeah, I haven't seen them again yet... Hey, mister. Can I tell you something?"

"Of course, Jimmy. What's on your mind?"

"It's a real bad secret because I don't want to get in trouble. It's all my fault."

"Don't look so sad. I can keep a secret."

"We have to go over there though, and I can show you."

"Alright, lead the way."

"We're almost there. Just up that small hill and across the road....There it is! I'm real sorry that I never told nobody."

"Is that a wrecked car down there?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry! I wasn't paying attention that day. I was riding my bike in the middle of the road, whistling on my way to the pond. You drove around the corner and had to turn real fast or you would've hit me. I come to look for you when I can, but you never remember me. I'm sorry I made you die, mister... Mister?"