Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he saw a figure standing by the side of the roadโjust a woman, dressed in white, holding out her thumb for a ride. Startled, Ben slowed the car, glancing in the rearview mirror. The road was deserted, and the figure seemed out of place, but he felt a strange pull to stop.
The woman slowly nodded but didnโt speak.
A chill ran down his spine, and he hesitated. Before he could say another word, she vanished. Right thereโgone in an instant.
Ben blinked, heart pounding. Maybe he was more tired than he thought. Shaking his head, he pulled back onto the road, glancing in the rearview mirror again, just to be sure.
And then he froze.
As he pulled over and rolled down the window, the woman didnโt move toward him. She just stood there, staring. Her face was pale, almost translucent, with hollow eyes that didnโt seem quite right. Something was off.
โDo you need a ride?โ Ben asked, his voice shaky.