Hitchiker.

“I see things” The Bearded Man said all of a sudden piercing the silence of the car journey so far. What a strange thing to say, so I just screwed up my face and turned to him for a second bemused then returned my eyes back to the dark road. I tried quickly to register what he meant looking around, but out of the window in front I just saw the familiar sight of the white lines, the dark sky, and about half a mile ahead, the tail lights of another car we had been behind for an hour now, and on the other side the white lights of a car opposite.

 “See things?” I said.

I looked in the mirror trying to find Kristy’s eyes for assistance and our eyes locked where she also had a similar “what the fuck” expression across her face. I smirked awkwardly for a second and looked at him again to see if he was joking. He didn’t register and continued looking at the road.

“I’m here to help you.” He said calmly.

Had we picked up a lunatic? I suppose it would make this day more exciting since Mum’s funeral earlier today.

“Something terrible is about to happen, and I’m here to help you.”

Was this guy joking?

“Bro, what are you talking about?” Kristy said from the back, suddenly sitting up from her half slumber. “You’re freaking me out.”

I looked the guy over quickly thinking I could probably take him if push came to shove as he was about 75. Danny was in the back seat too snoozing quietly. I looked in the mirror for Danny’s face but he was leaned up against the window using his coat as pillow, mouth wide open as he snored gently. I wish he was awake.

“I see it now," the Man said as if a sudden realisation came over him. "Listen to me carefully,” and this time he turned to face me. His penetrating white eyes were looking at the side of my face. I was too scared to look back.

“The car coming towards us is about to swerve into this road” and this time he pointed to the oncoming car.

I was so confused. Was this a scam? Was this a robbery? I was also beginning to get scared, and I could feel Kristy’s fear in the back too. She stayed quiet. I knew she was leaving this to me.

“I have been sent to give you this message by Alex. What you do now is up to you.” And he was quiet again and looked again at the road. “This is my last message to the world”.

Alex is my mum. I looked at him, angry this time “What do you know about my mum pal?” but also aware of the car in front. It was going pretty fast, and to be honest, it was swerving a little in the road as if the person driving wasn’t concentrating. Kristy grabbed my shoulder.

“Be careful of this car babe” she said trembling.

But it was too late.