Lost Way

Kim and Mark could hardly contain themselves at the sight of the hiking signs along the quiet road. Cars were fewer and further between after they got out of the city. Trees enclosed every road they drove down and sometimes opened their view to a beautiful landscape of nothing but trees. Their summer hiking trip began earlier than usual since they took the extra precautions of dodging heavy traffic by leaving before sunrise.

"Three long hours later, and we're here!" Kim exclaimed, smiling from ear to ear.

"I'm so glad we decided to take an extra two days to get more trails in," Mark said. "I've heard some people found a new trail last year. You can only find it if locals tell you."

"I can't imagine that's accurate," Kim said. "These trails have been open for decades."

"Well, no harm in asking when we stop. I have to get gas anyway," Mark said.

Mark pulled into a small gas station. There was only a double-sided pump and a small shack of a building where he could pay and refuel on driving snacks. He was easily disgusted by the sight of these decrepit stations as someone who grew up down the street from a Wawa station, but Kim, who didn't mind, unclicked her seatbelt and got out.

"I'll pump, you baby. Go pay and get us some protein bars," Kim said as she lifted the lever for the pump.

Mark entered the gas station and was already stunned by the attendant. He was sporting a tall spiked neon green Mohawk, and they met eyes from Mark's entrance to nearly halfway down the aisle. Mark grabbed a drink, a handful of protein bars, and some teriyaki jerky, and made his way to the counter. The Mohawked attendant stared at him for a moment before ringing him up.

"Oh, twenty on pump one, please," Mark said. The attendant didn't respond. He kept ringing and plugged away at the register.

Mark slid his card into the machine, waiting for the transaction to process. The thoughts of the hidden trail resurfaced in his mind. "Hey, I heard that there were some secret trails hidden around the mountains. Would you know anything about those?"

The attendant stared at him. "You're not from around here, are you?"

"Hey, if I were, I'd know about the trails," Mark said. The attendant remained stoned faced.

"You'd also know that trail information can be found at the information center in town. All I do here is ring people up until it's time to go home and shoot my crossbow," the attendant scolded.

"Got it, thanks anyway," Mark said. The attendant's shirt showed an arrow piercing a skull with blood on either side of the arrow. It reminded Mark of a crappy logo someone would do in high school, but he decided not to ask in fear of further annoying the Mohawked man.

"Cool shirt." Mark left it at that before exiting the gas station. He handed Kim the snacks before returning to the driver's seat.

"Any luck on the Indiana Jones trails?" Kim laughed.

"Just some weirdo with a big Mohawk. Dude's probably the black sheep of the town," Mark said. He drove towards the motel.

The motel was as gross as Mark expected. Kim had talked Mark into saving money and getting a motel instead of a Hampton Inn room in the center of town. He was happy to save the money for better dining and gas, but the immediate shock of sleeping in a room that appeared seldom inhabited made his skin crawl.

"You're not going to cause a scene about the room, are you?" Kim asked. "I know you're high maintenance, but neither of us can afford to stay at that goddamn hotel for two extra nights. I finally found a weekend you had time to do this with me, and I'd appreciate it if you tried to have fun as well, despite this horrid room."