Hours had passed since our last break, and my stomach protested vehemently, demanding attention. I glanced at Albert, who seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on the map spread out before him.

It looked old…. At least older than any paper map you'd find in one of those travel stores…and in a rather desperate attempt to distract myself I did what I always did in a situation like this… Awkward small talk.

"Why not just use a GPS?" I asked softly.

"Because the place we will be heading too isnt on your modern day gadgets. Now. eyes on the road…"

Well that failed. . . and as a result silence over took the car. Or it would have if it were not for my stomach rumbling away

"Albert," I called out, my voice tinged with nervousness, "are you hungry?"

He looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Not particularly," he replied, his focus returning to the map.

What an jack ass! I thought as i saw that small, sadistic, smile play over his lips, he was totally toying with me GUAH!

A grumble escaped my stomach, pleading for nourishment. I couldn't ignore it any longer. "Well, I am. Let's find a dinner and grab a bite to eat."

Albert's brows furrowed, his gaze locked on the map. "We can't afford to stop now," he insisted, his voice filled with urgency. "We need to keep heading west until we reach the mountains. At this rate, we should make it there by tomorrow evening."

Frustration welled up within me, fueled by both hunger and confusion. "Look, Albert," I reasoned, "I highly doubt those mages are anywhere near us, and you still won't teleport us. Why?"

He sighed, his expression grave. "I've told you before, Elias. Without you being connected to a rift, attempting to teleport now would risk severe physical distortion. You'd be stretched and contorted like spaghetti."

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as my stomach continued its noisy protests. My age-old enemy, hunger, clashed with Albert's steadfast determination.

"Look, there's a dinner right there," I pointed out, a glimmer of hope in my voice. "The Good Ol' Cracked Barrel. Can't we just stop for a quick meal?"

Albert let out a resigned sigh, rolling his eyes in a gesture of reluctant agreement. "Fine," he conceded.

Stepping into the restaurant, we were greeted by a charming display of Americana. Stuffed bears stood proudly on hind legs, while deer heads adorned the walls, adding a rustic charm to the wood cabin atmosphere. The enticing aroma of breakfast lingered in the air, intermingled with the sounds of contented patrons.

My hunger momentarily forgotten, I took in the cozy ambiance, appreciating the simple joys of a warm and inviting eatery. It felt like a haven amidst our perilous journey.

We found a booth and settled in, the comfortable cushioning providing a welcome respite for my weary body. The friendly waitress approached, a smile lighting up her face as she handed us the menus.

As I perused the options, my stomach growled in anticipation, demanding satisfaction. The tantalizing scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, further fueling my appetite.

The Cracked Barrel, with its cozy atmosphere and mouth watering menu, had always held a special place in my heart. It was one of those rare establishments where I didn't even need to glance at the menu—I already knew exactly what I wanted. With a sense of familiarity, I looked up at the waitress and confidently began reciting my order.

"I'll have a large coffee, nine tablespoons of sugar, half a cup of cream, biscuits and gravy, and a generous stack of chocolate chip pancakes topped with Oreos and..."

My words trailed off as my wandering eyes caught Albert's disapproving expression. His narrowed eyes looking just above the hands he meshed together before him, he looked like a certain father from a certain evangelical anime…. The resemblance was almost uncanny as it sent a chill down my spine, making me reconsider my audacious selection. I barely knew him, but I instinctively knew that I didn't want to invoke his anger. The thought of an angry Albert didn't bode well for my well-being.

His presence was like a large over bearing mother and i couldn't help but shrink away on impulse giving a nervous laugh. "uh…O-on second thought," I stammered, my voice faltering. "I'll just let him order."

I sheepishly handed my menu back to the waitress, watching as she crossed out my elaborate order with a sympathetic smile. She redirected her attention to Albert, who took a moment to peruse the menu before speaking with a hint of authority.

"We'll both have water," he declared, his gaze locked onto mine, intensifying the intimidating aura surrounding him. I could practically feel his unspoken message, urging me to make a more sensible choice. "An omelet for each of us, featuring savory sausage and grilled chicken breast for an added protein boost."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

As he continued, his eyes flickered to me, and I caught a hint of concession in his expression. It was as if he had given in to my pitiful puppy-dog eyes. "Also, make a to-go grilled chicken sandwich with tomato and lettuce. And, um, the bread should have... 'mayo'?" He looked a bit perplexed at the unfamiliar term. "And this mustard sauce," he added, a glimmer of anticipation lighting up my face. The thought of a delectable sandwich had my taste buds dancing with excitement. Though, on second thought, maybe he ordered it to go so we wouldn't have to make any additional stops. Well, jokes on him—I could always use nature's call as an excellent excuse for breaks.

With our revised order placed, we settled into the comfort of the booth, surrounded by the rustic ambiance of the diner. The stuffed bears and mounted deer heads added a touch of nostalgia to the wooden cabin atmosphere, while the tantalizing aroma of breakfast delights filled the air.

As we awaited our food, I couldn't help but steal glances at Albert, curiosity mingling with caution in my eyes. There was still so much I didn't know about him, but this shared meal presented an opportunity to bridge the gap and discover more about each other's pasts.

Before I could even utter a question, Albert seized the opportunity to deliver a lecture, his voice filled with a mix of concern and admonishment. "You need to start making healthier choices, Elias. Physical strength is crucial when it comes to bonding with a rift, and your eating habits leave much to be desired..."

Oh no, here it comes. I could feel myself shrinking away, a sense of embarrassment washing over me as Albert continued to chew my ear, his words piercing through like a scolding. I was starting to feel like a puppy who had just peed on the living room carpet.

I fidgeted uncomfortably in my seat, trying to avoid eye contact as guilt and defensiveness battled within me. I knew he had a point. My indulgence in decadent meals and sugary treats had become a habit,a comfort really but faced with Alberts stern gaze I couldn't help but feel a pang of shame.

Eventually his lecture came to a halt… silence fell upon the table I dared a glance at him, noticing a flicker of empathy in his eyes mixed with a firm resolve. He wasn't just scolding me; he genuinely cared about my well-being and the success of our mission.

"I'm not saying you have to give up everything you enjoy," he said, his tone softening slightly. "But moderation and balance are key. We need to ensure you're in the best shape possible when we reach our destination."

I nodded weakly, my voice barely a whisper. "Yes, sir." Albert's concern was palpable, and I recognized the genuine intention behind his words. Deep down, I knew he wanted me to succeed, to overcome the obstacles that weighed me down. Silence one again fell on the table.. And i was alone with my thoughts, not exactly the best place to be. like a snake my inner voice slithered into my consciousness, relentless and cruel, it haunted me, slashing at my fragile self-esteem.

"You're a fat tub of lard," it taunted, its words slicing through my thoughts like a razor-sharp blade. "Albert's right; you should be making better choices. You know this, so why don't you? Fucking idiot. Just die already. You're already becoming a burden to a man who's trying his best to help you. Moron. Useless, worthless garbage..."

I fought back the tears that threatened to spill, the weight of those words crushing my spirit. It was as if my own mind had turned against me, amplifying every insecurity, every doubt, until they consumed me. In that moment, the darkness within felt suffocating, drowning out any flicker of hope.

But then, like a lifeline thrown my way, the food arrived. It was my refuge, my temporary respite from the torment. The sight of the plates, the aroma that wafted through the air, stirred something within me—an instinctual need for nourishment, both physical and emotional.

I gripped the edge of the table, my hands trembling as I tried to steady myself. This battle, it wasn't just against external forces or magical adversaries; it was a war waged within my own mind. And though I felt weakened and fragile, I clung to the sliver of strength that remained.

I took a deep breath, attempting to drown out the venomous whispers in my head. With trembling hands, I reached for my fork, my grip unsteady as I prepared to indulge in the sustenance before me. Each bite held the promise of comfort, a fleeting moment of solace amidst the chaos of my thoughts.

As the flavors exploded on my tongue, my taste buds coming alive, I found a temporary respite. The flavors seeped on my tongue as i occupied it with something other than insults.,

But even as I savored each morsel, the battle within raged on. The whispers of self-destruction continued to claw at my mind, persistently reminding me of my perceived flaws and failures."Thats right eat like the good little piggy you are..You'll never be more than what you are just accept that.." It was a struggle to push those thoughts aside, to believe that I was worthy of success and happiness.

I stole a glance at Albert, his presence a pillar of strength amidst my turmoil. His eyes met mine, and for a moment, I glimpsed understanding and compassion. It was as if he saw beyond the fragile shell I presented, recognizing the immense weight I carried.

I was glad I wasn't crying, I was glad I was able to hold them back… I'm weak for sure… and pathetic, but he was the last person who i wanted to show, he may have seen it already. It may have been obvious… I didn't want it to be though, even if it was a lie, i convinced myself that he couldn't see the pain in my eyes.

At the very least he didn't saying anything, just sticking to his breakfast and looking back over the map. He'd be driving the rest of the way.

I didn't know if I was relieved or frustrated that he appeared so aloof… why would he care?, the voice started again.. Clicking my tongue once more, I continued with our breakfast.

I'll endure like I always have.

Leaving the comforting ambiance of the Cracked Barrel behind, we stepped out into the brisk evening air. The last rays of sunlight painted the horizon in hues of orange and purple as we made our way back to the car. Albert took the driver's seat, his tall frame settling comfortably behind the wheel, while I sank into the passenger seat, still wrestling with the thoughts that had plagued me during our meal.

As the engine roared to life, the car rolled forward, and the world outside transformed into a blur of landscapes passing by. We left behind the small town with its charming storefronts and friendly faces, venturing into the vast expanse of the open road. The scenery shifted with each passing mile, weaving a tapestry of changing landscapes.

We drove through quaint countryside dotted with picturesque farms, their barns standing sentinel against the fading light. The aroma of freshly cut hay mingled with the gentle breeze that swept through the open windows, bringing a sense of tranquility to our journey. It was as if time itself slowed down, allowing us to savor the beauty of the fleeting moments.

As the night enveloped the land, we passed by bustling cities that twinkled like constellations on the horizon. Their towering skyscrapers reached for the stars, casting an ethereal glow upon the streets below. The distant sounds of honking cars and the laughter of late-night revelers painted a vivid picture of life unfolding beyond our car's cocoon.

Occasionally, we caught glimpses of roadside dinners illuminated by neon signs, their inviting glow promising warm meals and respite from the road. But Albert remained steadfast in his determination to press on, urging us closer to the towering silhouette of the Rocky Mountains that loomed in the distance.