End of Day

The driver pulled off the exit, turning right towards his favorite truck stop. Pulling in and finding a spot, he backed in slowly, careful not disturb the trucks on either side of him. Feeling the bump of the curb, he let it ease forward a few feet before engaging the air brakes. The dual PSSHHHH of the air brakes told him the brakes had activated, and he turned once again to his computer. Changing his duty status, he looked at how many miles he did that day. Bringing up the proper tab, the figure that popped up caused him to snort in disgust. Less than 250 miles, he thought, not exactly a stellar performance.

Stepping outside, he made sure that all of his lights were on, checking each one as he went around his truck. Tires, air lines, brake parts, the list went on. Making sure each part was performing correctly, he returned to the driver door, where he climbed back inside. Closing the door, he open the inspection tab on his computer, made sure the correct information was given, and signed his name. Returning to the log tab, he put himself off duty, then climbed into the sleeper.

Reaching into his cabinet, he grabbed a clean set of clothes, putting them in his shower bag. His soap and razor were already in there, as was his deodorant. Packing the bag, he climbed out of the truck, making sure the door was locked behind him, then patted his pocket, feeling his keys in there as he breathed a sigh of relief. Glad I remembered my keys this time, he chuckled to himself.

Walking into the truck stop, he was greeting by the coolness of the air conditioning as he walked up to the self-serve kiosk. Swiping his card, he selected the shower option, placing him in the queue. The machine spat out a piece of paper, noting what number he was, along with a PIN code. Looking up at the monitor provided, he saw he was third in line. Nodding to himself, he made his to the driver's lounge, where a large TV hung on the wall. A popular crime show was playing, capturing the attention of a few other people, as he sat down in one of the chairs provided. Watching the show for a few minutes, the automated voice told him that his shower was ready. He got up, and turned down the hall to the proper shower room. Inputting his code, the door buzzed, allowing him access. Stepping inside, he closed and locked the door.

Setting his bag on the counter, he unzipped it, and emptied the contents from it. The clothes he set in a chair next to the sink, and toiletries went on the basin. Turning on the faucet, he tested the water to make sure it was the right temperature before splashing some on his face, then picked up the razor, gliding it in smooth strokes across his face, removing the unwanted facial hair growing. Tapping the razor every few strokes to keep the hair from clogging the blades, he first did the right side,then the left. Once clean shaven, he turned off the water to the sink, then headed to the shower stall to turn on the water there. Once again, he tested the temperature before grabbing his soap and entering.

The hot water needled down his back, causing him to sigh in relief. Running his shoulders under the spray, he allowed himself to be completely immersed in the feeling, swaying from side to side. Bending his neck over, he felt the water cascade down, causing his to turn his head sharply to one side, then the other. The resound CRACK from his neck told him the muscles were loosening, releasing the tension and sending a shiver of pleasure down his back. Turning around, he allowed the front of him to be soaked, as he reached for the soap.

Lathering himself, he vigorously scrubbed his skin as the hot water ran down the creases in his muscles. Turning around to prevent soap loss, he finished lathering, turning back around to rinse the soap off. Water turning pink, then white, as the remnants of Officer Kendall's blood mixed with the soap going down the drain.

Turning off the water, he stepped out of the shower stall, reaching for the towel put there by the staff. Patting his skin dry and changing into clean clothes, he stuffed the dirty clothes into his shower bag, making sure to wrap up the bloody jeans to prevent contact with his bag. With a final look to make sure he had everything, he exited the shower room, going down the hall into the fast food chain.

Ordering dinner here was pretty easy, a simple matter of going up to the counter and ordering from the menu hanging above. Placing his order, he paid for his meal, and took the receipt from the attendant. She gave him a friendly wink, and he smiled. Not a bad looking young lady, he thought, as he gave her a once-over look. Her body not really touched by age yet, her curves showing in all the right places. A spring in her step and a shake in her hips showed her energy. It's too bad, he thought. If I were about 10 years younger, I might have been tempted. Hearing his name called, she brought his bag over to him, a beaming smile on her face. Making it a point to use his left hand, showing his wedding ring, he took the bag with a warm smile. A flash of understanding on her face, she stilled smiled at him, but her expression changed to warmth from flirty. Taking his order, he exited the truck stop, and returned to his truck.

Climbing into the cab, he made sure that the doors were locked, and drawing the curtains, he reached for his food. Placing it on the dash, he emptied the bag of its contents, arranging it in front of him. Sandwiches, then sides, from left to right, all items were opened, and reaching back into the bag, he retrieved silverware and napkins. A straw was brought out last, and he tore open the wrapper and inserted the plastic straw into his cup.

For the next thirty minutes, he meticulously ate, selecting one item, then another, as he chewed in silence. Thinking of the events of the day, he silently offered up a prayer for Officer Kendall, praying for his safe return to his family. While the driver wasn't necessarily one for religion, he did have a strong belief that no one should have to endure such things no matter what the profession. There was too much in life to do besides destroying other's lives, regardless of what the situation might be. Pushing his thoughts to the side, he finished eating, making sure that all trash was collected back into the bag, leaving only his cup partially full. Then, climbing out of the truck, he looked for the nearest receptacle, and deposited the bag into it. Returning to his truck, he once again locked the door, and then went into the sleeper.

Laying his head down, he looked up at the ceiling. The stark gray color on the inside of the roof gave him little comfort, so he rolled onto his side. Looking forward, the curtains allowing a small amount of light in from the night, so he looked once more around the cab, and slipped off into a troublesome sleep.