Another boring day in the middle of nowhere as Patricia sat by the counter waiting for customers or the occasional car to pass by her store. But not only did a car appear in front of her, it was a rather modern-looking one. It was by no means a fancy one but considering that old beat-up trucks were the norm around these parts, this was unprecedented. And even more so when she saw a man in a suit exit the vehicle and entered her store.
“Howdy,” she welcomed. “How can I help ya?”
“Hello. I'm on my way to Springfield but I'm kind of lost.”
“Springfield ain't too far from here. Just keep goin' straight ahead an you'll see a highway. Ya can't miss it.”
“Ah. I had a feeling. I wasn't certain since my GPS died on me.”
“Yup. That's usually what happens. Yer tech ain't gonna work here in the middle uh nowhere but you'll get your signal back once yawl hit the highway.”
“Alright, sounds good. Those pumps outside work? I need to refuel.”
“Ya bet it does. Don't think us here in the sticks don't keep our pumps just for show.”
“Alright. Let me get like 3 gallons.”
“Sure thing. So, yawl from the city?”
“We are. We're going on vacation right now.”
“Sounds rather nice. Yawl lookin' rather nice in that getup too.”
“Well, I do like wearing suits, after all.”
“Heard the city's gone kind of crazy in the last few years. Lotsa city folk been actin' crazy lately.”
“No doubt about that. Society has gone insane. That's why I want to get away from it. I'm hoping someday me and my girl can move somewhere quiet. Maybe that's why I'm looking forward to Springfield. Looks quiet and peaceful. I could use that.”
“Izzat so? Yawl got yourself a liddel purdy girlfriend?”
He chuckled a bit. “Yeah, I sure do.”
“I'm sure am glad there is still folk out there marryin' traditionally. I've seen too many city folk come here yellin' and screamin' at our conservative ways, always comin' all in here with their so-called 'progressive views' but just come out screaming and hollering nonsense. I 'ave anything against them folks but when they come here, a man coming in here with their husband, woman coming in here with their wives, as I said I gots no problems with it, but that's frowned upon 'round these parts. You can't just come in here demanding we fit your ways.”
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“Yeah, I know what you mean. But you know what, I feel the world is too complicated for explanations. I figure just live and let live. I don't care what anybody else does, as long as I can live in peace with my girl, I don't care about anything anymore.”
At this time, the doorbell chimed as someone else entered the store. “Oh, Johan, look, there are some farm animals over there.”
“Really? Oh, yeah, I see goats.”
“They even let me pet them. Oh Johan, maybe we should live on a farm someday.”
“Are you crazy? I can't do any farm work and neither can you.”
“Then maybe we can move here and we can learn along the way.”
“I don't think even your Dad is going to agree to that, but who knows, maybe if can convince him. Sure looks nice.”
He turned his attention to Patricia. “Sorry, I got caught up in all the commotion. How much was it?”
“Oh, that'll be $13.64.”
“Then this should do it. Keep the change.” He handed over a ten and five-dollar bill before turning around. “Come on, Lucy. I gotta fill up the car now.”
“Oh, Johan, can't we stay a bit longer?”
“But there's nothing to see here and the truck full of goats already left.”
“I don't know about that. Look over there,” and she pointed toward a window.
Johan turned his attention toward it. “I don't see anything.” He turned around only for Lucy to sneak in a kiss. She backed away, embarrassed, covering her mouth with her hands, all giddy. Johan could not help but do the same while he said, “Lucy, you got to stop doing that.”
“I'm keeping you on your toes.”
“Alright, come on. Let's fill up and keep going. I know where to go now.”
They take their leave as Patricia watched through the window seeing Johan holding Lucy tightly as they walked back to their car.
“Dem city slickers are getting more and more crazy for my liking.”