Member-only story
Unexpected Ways to Let Strangers Surprise You with Kindness
(Almost) everything you desire lives on the other side of fear.
“Is this how stupid people die?” I heard the voice in my head say as my fear spiraled a little. Okay, a lot.
The car was slowing down, and I had no idea if this was a good thing or a bad thing. Yet, I was clearly out of options. I was stranded, thirsty, and a long way from where I intended to be.
I never considered myself stupid. As this trip was one of my first international solo endeavors, I was cautious and meticulous in my planning. I had researched the hike ahead of time, planned the route home, and was prepared.
Yet here I was, about to be the cliched female hitchhiker that gets assaulted — or worse, killed. Who knew goat trails can look very much like human trails?
My heart sank almost immediately as soon as the driver got out. He was a heavy-set man, easily towering over my petite 5'1 frame. It would almost be too easy. There were no witnesses and there was nothing connecting us. He would never even be considered a suspect. Guess he wasn’t getting the kind, old grandma I was hoping for.
He walks over slowly as if trying to reassure me that he is safe. Then a huge smile breaks out. “Climber village?” he…
