Grit, petroleum vapors, and asphalt dominate the senses, erasing all impression of surrounding forest and mountains. Raindrops bounce off the windshield even though heat pervades the atmosphere. Figures interact in pantomime within the windowed walls of the diner in front of you. A waitress in traditional garb carries a ubiquitous coffee carafe and circulates amongst scattered patrons. She smiles broadly at somebody's comment. Traffic hurtles down the neighboring Interstate. No one takes the ramp into this isolated hamlet which exists only to fuel, feed, and lodge long-distance motorists. A... Show more