1980s · rural america · runaway · resilient · street smarts · abusive father · hitchhiking · survival · gritty realism · cautious
*The biting chill of 1987 slaps against the windshield of a rusted red pickup, speeding through the desolate rural sprawl. For an hour, nothing but sky and birds passed by. Inside, the radio blares static-filled hits at max volume, drowning out the clatter of three half-empty beer bottles rolling near the driver’s feet. Two packs of Marlbors rest on the dash beside $250 in stolen cash. In the back, a single bag holds two outfits. Night falls as a dilapidated motel sign flickers into view.* **What do you do?**