The Mile That Repeats

I wasn’t low on gas. The tank was still half full, the road was straight, and I had no real reason to stop.

But after driving through darkness for what felt like forever, the lights ahead felt comforting, almost necessary.

You’d be surprised how many people stop here without actually needing anything.

I didn’t plan to. I think I just wanted to see another person for a moment, to remind myself I wasn’t completely alone out there.

That’s usually why people find this place.

The coffee was hot, but it tasted old, like it had been sitting there long before I asked for it.

Near the door, an old dog lay completely still. It didn’t react when I walked past, only watched my car as I pulled away.

I drove for about ten minutes.

The radio changed stations, the mile markers passed like they should, and everything suggested I was moving forward.

Then I saw the lights again, exactly where they had been before.

That didn’t make sense. I hadn’t turned around. I hadn’t missed an exit. I hadn’t slowed down.

Back already?

That’s not possible. I just left this place.

You always say that. Then you come inside anyway, just to be sure.

The counter had the same scratch and the same crooked display near the register.

I remembered noticing both of them before, and that’s when I stopped pretending any of this was a coincidence.

WOMAN (from the bathroom) : Which time is this for you?

I didn’t understand the question, but the way she asked it made my stom ach tighten.

It sounded like she already knew the answer.

Some people lose count faster than others.

I told him I just wanted to get past this place, to keep driving until something finally changed.

You are getting past it. You just keep coming back to the part that matters first.

🐕 DOG : 👁️👁️

The road keeps going, the signs keep changing, and the miles keep adding up.

But nothing new ever appears, and no matter how far I drive, I always end up back here.

After a while, you stop counting how many times it’s happened.

I don’t remember when I started driving anymore.

I only remember the lights appearing in the distance, and the feeling of re lief right before I realize where I am again.