Katherine's POV

  

  "Hey, mister, you got room for one more? I need a ride out of this dump."

  I stuck out my thumb as the big rig slowed down right next to me on the empty stretch of highway. 

  My backpack dug into my shoulder, and the sun burned hot against my skin, making sweat run down my neck and soak into my tank top. 

  I had walked for what felt like forever, thumb out high, watching cars fly past without a glance, but trucks like this one always seemed like they had space inside, a better shot at getting somewhere safe. 

  The door swung open with a loud creak,...