Hitchhikers

Prompt from DailyPrompt.com

We knew we shouldn’t have stopped. But the weather! Pelting down with sleet. Those two figures huddled by the edge of the road looked like they might freeze to death at any moment.

So I called to the others. Explained what was going on. Frank pressed the pedal to slow the car, gave us time to talk it out quick. We knew what the morally right thing to do was, buuuuut…

“I mean, if we’re helping them, surely they’ll keep their mouths shut?”

Bev is such an optimist.

Whereas Frank is just crazy, and was confused why we’re even having this conversation. The fool genuinely thinks we’ve got nothing to hide!

Oh shit. While we were arguing the car slowed to a halt. The hitchhikers took that as a yes and are coming in!

“Quick! Act casual!”

Dammit, I knew we should have gotten a trench coat.

Cold air hits us in a rush, the pair throw themselves into the back seat babbling thanks, and even without disguises, for a moment I think this just might work. We might get away with it.

Then the torrent of grateful words stumble into silence. I awkwardly glance back.

The male is squinting and rubbing his eyes. Maybe thinks he’s hallucinating. The female reaches out a trembling damp hand, freshly yanked from her glove, and gingerly touches Bev’s shoulder.

Bev purrs. It’s the polite thing to do, after all. Instinct. Especially when you’re nervous.

At that the humans break down into hysterical laughter. All right. No getting out of this easy.

I sigh and nudge Frank to get the car moving again, then dig my claws into the wheel-wrap to turn the car off onto the side of the road. Might as well take a break and, uh, do proper introductions.

Nashville will just have to wait.

Prompt was “Write a story about a character who gives a pair of hitchhikers a ride. They get in the car and immediately burst into laughter; why?”