The Hitchhiker

A sleek sedan barrels along a barren highway under a merciless sun, opera blasting from the speakers. Inside, Gloria and Markus, power couple in crisp suits, simmer with unspoken friction after sealing a deal. Markus stares blankly at the passing dust, ignoring Gloria's frantic replay of the negotiations. She kills the music, her voice sharp: 'The client's nearly hooked—just a nudge.' Silence from him. 'Next time, I'll handle it solo!' she snaps, side-eyeing his indifference. Ahead, a lanky teen girl thumbs a ride, suitcase at her scuffed sneakers, eyes wide with jittery unease as the car nears. 'Pick her up,' Markus growls, breaking his hush. Gloria gapes. 'You're insane—we've got work, deadlines!' He exhales hard, locking eyes. 'I said, give her a lift.' She huffs, brakes screeching to the shoulder. Markus cranks the window, the girl's pale face leaning in, breath catching at the strangers' gaze. 'Hop in with us?' he offers, voice low and insistent.