Travis Joins In
Seeing his friend’s failed attempt to provoke a reaction, Travis couldn’t resist jumping in. He exaggerated the sound of roaring engines, trying to mock the trucker’s massive vehicle in a childish, over-the-top display. “Bet this beast of yours drinks more than you!” he shouted, hoping his attempt at humor would stoke the flames. But the effort felt hollow, as if he was forcing it. His voice cracked as he tried to sound intimidating, and it only made the whole scene feel more awkward.
The trucker, however, didn’t even flinch. His calm remained unbroken, like the storm swirling around him couldn’t touch his core. It was becoming clear that his patience—and perhaps his unspoken understanding of the situation—was putting them both off balance. They couldn’t figure out how to crack him, and the more they tried, the more the trucker’s unshakable poise seemed to leave them standing on shaky ground.
