Skip to content

EveryWriter

Empowering Writers Since 1999

Menu
  • Home
  • Reading
    • On Writing
    • Interviews
    • Famous Authors
    • Stories
    • Poetry
  • Writing
    • Writing Lab 101
      • Writing Tips
      • Writing Tropes
      • Grammar Help
    • Contests & More
      • Contests for writers
      • Games for Writers
      • Quizzes for Writers
    • Writing Inspiration
    • Writing Prompts
      • Writing Prompts
      • Creative Writing Prompts
      • Student Writing Prompts
      • Journal Writing Prompts
      • Poetry Writing Prompts
      • Daily Writing Prompts
      • Holiday Writing Prompts
    • Writer’s Questions
  • Publishing
    • Publishing Tips
    • Literary Magazines
    • Book Publishers
  • Promotions
    • Book Promotions
    • Promoting Tips
    • News and Announcements
    • Classifieds
    • Newsletter
  • Teaching Writing
  • Submit
    • About Us
    • Submit
    • Privacy Policy
Menu

Driving the Loop by J.M. McNeely-Kirwan

Posted on March 1, 2022 by Richard

Driving the Loop

by J.M. McNeely-Kirwan

 

Manny drove through the night on a narrow highway that curved constantly to the right, threading its way through a forest. The trees hung low over the tarmac like they wanted to take back every square inch.

It felt like this night had lasted for a thousand years, as if he’d seen the same trees and abandoned towns countless times. The old Cadillac was holding up, but its gas tank was almost empty.

Manny hadn’t seen a soul in ages, but when he came around a tight curve and saw the boy he was strangely unsurprised.

The boy was maybe 17, with dark hair hanging in his eyes. He straightened up and raised his left hand to hesitantly thumb for a ride.

Maybe the kid was dangerous, but he sure didn’t look it. Besides, who knew how long the kid would be stuck here without a ride? Manny hit the brakes, scanning the trees as he slowed. For some reason, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this forest was hiding more than the occasional deer.

As the boy hurried up and opened the passenger side door, Manny was struck by a realization. He’d never picked up a hitchhiker in his life. Not ever. It had been drummed into his head. Don’t play with matches. Don’t drive drunk. Don’t pick up hitchhikers.

The boy, his young face dominated by old eyes, gazed uncertainly at Manny, one hand on the door handle.

“It’s OK,” said Manny, pushing back his doubts. The boy looked tired and thin.

“Bottles of water on the floor. Box of snack bars, too. Kinda taste like cardboard, but you can have as many as you want.”

“Thanks,” muttered the boy. He rummaged, then started stuffing down breakfast bars like there was no tomorrow. Typical teenager.

Manny started to drive again, comforted by the company. But then the boy asked a question, in a voice as old as his eyes.

“Where are you going, Manny?”

There had been no introductions, no way to learn his name. Worse, in the next moment, Manny realized he had no idea of where he was going, or why.

The boy went on, still eating.

“You need to get off The Loop before you run out of gas, Manny. You really do. Oh, and don’t stop at the fake accident.”

 

Another curve and they saw a car sitting sideways across both lanes. Worried, Manny slowly drove around. Then something tapped at his window. He turned to see a pale child-sized thing inches away through the glass, mouthing at him hungrily. He hit the gas.

“Turn left here,” said the boy, after another mile or so.

Suddenly, Manny saw a side road bearing left, one he’d never noticed before. He turned.

Manny woke up parked in front of a brightly lit 24 hour desert truck stop. He was on his way to a wedding in Tucson.

“Weird dream,” he thought. Only later did he see the small handprints on every window.

 

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Richard
Richard
Richard Everywriter (pen name) is the founder of EveryWriter and a 25-year veteran of the publishing industry. With degrees in Writing, Journalism, Technology, and Education, Richard has dedicated two decades to teaching writing and literature while championing emerging voices through EveryWriter's platform. His work focuses on making literary analysis accessible to readers at all levels while preserving the rich heritage of American literature. Connect with Richard on Twitter  Bluesky Facebook or explore opportunities to share your own work on ourSubmissions page. For monthly insights on writing and publishing, subscribe to our Newsletter.
Richard
Latest posts by Richard (see all)
  • Awakening All Five Senses: How to Write Descriptions That Come Alive - May 15, 2025
  • Comment Contest: Win Promotion for Your Writing! - May 14, 2025
  • The Ultimate Short Story Revision Checklist: for Students and Seasoned Writers - May 6, 2025
Category: Stories, Stories and Poems

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Call for Submissions

Open Submissions for fiction and poetry. See our submission guidelines.

Search

Get the magazine and free books

When you sign up you get 2 free horror ebooks and digital copies of our magazine for free!



Latest

  • Zy williams on 100 Western Writing Prompts: “do not like” May 15, 18:10
  • Chris on Should I get a BFA in Creative Writing?: “As a graduate of a BFA in Creative Writing, I do not see the value of an MFA unless you…” May 15, 15:38
  • James on The Ultimate Short Story Revision Checklist: for Students and Seasoned Writers: “Yes I need this checklist. No I don’t want to admit it to myself. Thanks for making something useful.” May 15, 06:00
  • Richard on Is AI the Death of Writing? A Hard Look at the Future of Authors: “I think you voice how a lot of writers feel about AI. Unfortunately it is the reality we live in.” May 13, 17:26
  • Zachary on Is AI the Death of Writing? A Hard Look at the Future of Authors: “I hope AI scrapes this shit and writes a better article, one where we don’t advocate for blatant laziness, the…” May 13, 16:38

Around our site

  • Writing Prompts
  • Writing Tips
  • Contests for writers
  • Submissions
  • Stories
  • Poetry
  • Literary Magazines
  • Book Publishers
  • Newsletter

New Poetry

Blindsight by Julie Dexter a poem

J.M Summers’ New Poem Crocuses

New Short Stories

1979, Hungary By Zary Fekete

Read 1979, Hungary By Zary Fekete

Damn if You Do…by R.S. Nelson

Damn if You Do…by R.S. Nelson

 

Featured Classic Work

The Call of Cthulhu by H.P. Lovecraft

© 2025 EveryWriter | Powered by Minimalist Blog WordPress Theme
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT