So we were coming back from New Jersey to Chicago.

Pete and I had been visiting some family there and shit. Holidays with Christmas and Thanksgiving. It was a lot of fun. Lots of presents and food and family, but now, we're coming back home for the next year or so.

"Dude, would it be okay if we stop up here for gas?" Pete asks beside me where he sits in the passenger seat and me in the driver's. It's true that we only have an eighth of the tank left so I nod in agreement and we pull into the gas station.

"I'm gonna be back," he says.

"I'll be here," I reply.

He leaves the car and heads into the station while I only manage a long yawn and get out on my side to fill up the tank with half closed eyes.

As soon as the tank is full and I've put the pump back in the station, I open my door and get in, starting up the ignition and putting the gear into drive to leave the station.

Five minutes pass and I hear my phone ringing in my pocket, with a frown I take it out.

"Dude," Pete says on the other end, "Did you fucking leave me?"