Day 8: Close (Seattle to Redding)

Today was a day off from shows. Off doesn’t mean rest. We had a ten hour haul down the highway to California. 

We’re a week in. All our bodies aching. Begging for sleep. Close proximity every day. Neck and neck. 

I could feel the need for a little more room. Maybe it was just me, and that’s ok. 

We stopped for gas in rural towns in South Oregon. They looked to be up to no good. Burnt around the edges, like they’d been blown up decades ago and are still plotting their revenge. 

A man in an old jeep filled with his belongings loitered at the next pump, mean mugging. A woman sat outside on a bench by the restroom doors. I swore she was a vampire. Inside, the cashier recited Bible verses under his breath. “Will that be all?” He paused to ask. 

I got back in the van to the safety of my crew. We’re lucky to have each other. We’re all we got while we are out here. 

I made my rounds on the hotel apps; two rooms tonight. Close distance. 

Rest.