As he approached town, lights pierced the darkness once again, and he shielded his eyes and took a step back from the road. This one slowed as it passed, then came to a sudden stop. John turned and walked a few steps toward it as the driver’s window rolled down.

“John?” someone called. The car went into reverse and haphazardly pulled onto the shoulder; John jumped out of its path. A woman stepped out and took a few quick steps toward him, as if she might try to hug him, but he stayed planted where he was, his arms stiff at his sides, and she stopped a few feet away. “John, it’s me!” Jessica said with a smile that quickly faded. “What are you doing out here?” she asked. She was wearing short sleeves, and she rubbed her arms against the night air, glancing back and forth along the near-deserted road.

“Well, I could ask you the same thing,” he answered as though she had accused him of something. Jessica pointed over John’s shoulder. “Gas.” She smiled brightly at him, and he couldn’t help but mirror her a little. He had almost forgotten this ability of hers, to turn on cheerful goodwill like a faucet, splashing it all over everyone. “How have you been?” she asked cautiously.

“Fine. Working, mostly.” He gestured down at the dusty work clothes he hadn’t bothered to change out of. “What’s new with you?” he asked, suddenly aware of the absurdity of the conversation as cars passed nearby. “I really have to be going. Have a good night.” He turned and began to walk away without giving her a chance to speak.

“I miss seeing you around,” Jessica called. “And so does she.”

John paused, digging at the dirt with one foot.

“Listen.” Jessica took a few quick steps to catch up to him. “Carlton’s going to be in town for a couple of weeks; it’s spring break. We’re all getting together.” She waited expectantly, but he didn’t respond.

“He’s dying to show off his new cosmopolitan persona,” Jessica added brightly. “When I talked to him on the phone last week, he was faking a Brooklyn accent to see if I’d notice.” She forced a giggle. John smiled fleetingly.

“Who else is going to be there?” he asked, looking directly at her for the first time since she got out of the car. Jessica’s eyes narrowed.

“John, you have to talk to her sometime.”

“Why is that?” he said brusquely, and started walking again.

“John, wait!” Behind him, John heard her break into a run. She caught up quickly, slowing to jog beside him, matching his pace. “I can do this all day,” she warned, but John didn’t answer.

“You have to talk to her,” Jessica repeated. He gave her a sharp look.