Out of Nowhere

We were on the edge of nowhere, headed toward the middle. The drive had been about as exciting as watching a yogi demonstrate deep breathing techniques for relaxation. Initially, our idea of taking a “blue highways” trip seemed fun. After driving through the umpteenth dreary, dying little town, I missed the predictability of the interstate, the mile markers and services signs. As dusk fell, I began to wonder if we would have to spend the night in the car in the middle of nowhere.

We heard it before we saw it. The sound of music blared, a beacon of hope. Then, we rounded a curve and the little inn lit up the darkness as if an alien spaceship had deposited it there, in the middle of nowhere. Of course, we stopped.  As it turns out, that night was the weekly karaoke night at the inn and the joyful noise a random collection of amplified voices singing Elvis tunes.

We ordered a big plate of barbecued spare ribs with cole slaw and cornbread and joined in the karaoke impromptu Elvis celebration. Of course, I howled “Hound Dog.” After the Elvis karaoke left the building, the owner found room for us at the inn. We did not have to sleep in the car. 

We woke up early the next morning, ready to continue our journey. Much to my surprise, someone had put out a selection of Krispy Kreme donuts alongside the coffee in the lobby. I can’t imagine where that far north of the Mason-Dixon Line those donuts came from!

We continued our drive, a peaceful feeling pervading me, the dreariness of the previous day gone. All I can say is it came out of nowhere.

NOTE: Usually on "Be-Lied," I start with a non-fiction piece and attach "My Story" to it, still hoping that one day someone will take up the storytelling challenge that begins "Be-Lied."  For this entry, I simply offer a story. Hwaet!