The highway stretched away in ruler-straight perspective toward both horizons, black and shining in the sun like a river of ink. Beside it, the bright pastel buildings of Rest Stop 25 stood among the green trees. Occasionally a car shot past, a flash of metal and a hiss of split wind; but the road was one which was used more often at night, and was nearly empty in the afternoon.
Sam was the only attendant on duty. Stop 25 needed only two human attendants, even at its busiest hours. He sat, staring out at the highway, his elbows on the lunch counter, his round face blank, but his mouth set tightly. The phone at his elbow emitted a small grunting noise.
"You still there?" the phone voice said inquiringly.
"Yeah, I'm still here," Sam replied, his voice flat.
"You know the drill, Sam. Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity. The boss doesn't like surprises," the voice on the other end of the line said.
Sam nodded, even though the person on the other end couldn't see him. "Got it. I'll keep an eye out."
As the conversation ended, Sam's gaze returned to the highway. His mind wandered as he thought about his life and how he ended up working at a remote rest stop in the middle of nowhere. He had dreams once, but they seemed distant now, like the fading sunlight on the horizon.
Suddenly, a black sedan pulled into the rest stop, breaking Sam out of his reverie. He watched as the driver got out and walked towards the building. Something about the man made Sam uneasy, setting off alarm bells in his mind.
As the man entered the rest stop, Sam's hand went to the silent alarm button under the counter. He didn't know what the man was up to, but he wasn't going to take any chances.
The man approached the counter, a smug smile on his face. "Hey there, buddy. Just need to use the restroom real quick."
Sam nodded, keeping his eyes trained on the man. He pressed the button under the counter, silently alerting the authorities.
As the man disappeared into the restroom, Sam kept a close watch, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that whatever was about to happen, he was ready for it. He was the guardian of Rest Stop 25, and he would do whatever it took to protect it.
The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the pavement. But Sam stood firm, a silent sentinel watching over his domain.