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Tillie strode down the side of the rural highway, her Prada backpack slung over her shoulder. She had exchanged the rest of her expensive togs for thrifted jeans and sneakers and a Rolling Stones T-Shirt she had stolen from her sister years ago. As she marched, a grin blossomed across her face. She did love a good adventure.
And she’d gotten away! She’d escaped and the future stretched out in front of her.
Without missing a step, she stretched out her mind and looked slightly into the future, her eyes turning a milky white. Her smile faded. Not this next one – it would take her straight to the Auditors.
She let the red sedan pass by, stepping back as it sped by with a cloud of exhaust. She watched her inner movie as the future brightened and she grinned again.
Tillie stepped forward, swinging her right arm out, thumb outstretched, her eyes returning to their normal blue.
The grey pick-up truck that had just come around the bend screeched to a halt, and Tillie jogged over to the passenger door. As she pulled it open, she heard a gruff male voice from within.
“Where you headed, sweetheart?”
“Anywhere west of here. But I’m not your sweetheart, and if you call me that or any variation thereof again, we’re gonna have problems. Are we gonna have problems?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Excellent. I look forward to journeying with you, sir.” She climbed into the cab and closed the door with a resounding thud.