Whispers of Nowhere

Leah stirred her coffee, watching the steam curl into the air. The place was too quiet. Even the lone man in the back barely moved, his face hidden by the brim of his hat.

The waitress returned with a plate of eggs and toast, setting it down with a small clatter. Leah glanced up, deciding to push her luck.

"This town," she started, keeping her voice casual, "what's around here?"

The waitress stiffened. "Not much. Just folks passing through."

Leah arched a brow. "Really? I heard there's something out in the woods. An old town. Some kind of ruins."

The woman's hand tightened around the coffee pot.

"People say a lot of things."

Leah didn't miss the way her eyes flicked toward the man in the corner. He still didn't move, but now she was certain he was listening.

"Ever been out there?" Leah pressed.

The waitress exhaled sharply. "Listen, hon. Eat your food, drink your coffee, and stick to the highway. There's nothing good past those trees."

Leah's pulse quickened. So she did know something.

But before she could ask more, the man in the corner finally moved.

And he was looking right at her.