Story begins
Carter had always been the kind of person who couldn't ignore someone in need. So, when he saw a young hitchhiker named Avery stranded on the side of the road, he didn’t hesitate to offer her a ride. It was a scorching summer afternoon, and he simply wanted to help. He dropped her off at a small house on the edge of town, expecting nothing in return except the warm smile she gave him in thanks.
The next morning, as Carter sipped his coffee and casually glanced at the news, his hands trembled, and his breath caught in his throat. His face turned pale as the reporter’s words sank in. The very girl he had helped the day before was now at the center of a shocking headline, and the truth unfolding on the screen left him frozen in disbelief.
Giving the Girl a Ride
For truck drivers, spotting hitchhikers along the road was nothing unusual. In fact, they were often the only ones willing to stop and offer a ride. Many travelers relied on their kindness to get from one place to another. Still, it wasn’t every day that Carter saw someone so young standing alone by the roadside, looking no older than twelve.
Without a second thought, he eased his truck to a stop, his instincts telling him he couldn’t just leave her there. Reaching over, he pushed open the passenger door, motioning for her to get in. The girl hesitated for a brief moment before stepping forward, her expression a mix of relief and uncertainty.
