Hey, now! No Voldemort or Sauron, just the Smiter of Older Tires. The sergeant was a kind soul, shaved head, and we joked about sharing sunscreen. His sons are in some band and travel around; he was a calming influence at a time when I was quite shaken up.

The young man was shirtless, tattooed, and said he'd broken down on that stretch of highway not that long ago, and wished me well. It's part of this southern mythos, I think. ;)

You're programmed in my phone, I think… much of the time I'm in 'roaming' mode, but I'll be sure to call if I'm yearning for a friendly voice. ♥