It was a blustery afternoon. After a leisurely lunch at the Dogfish Head Brewpub, our intrepid travelers faced a 2-hour drive of 130 miles. But, the dashboard on their electric car estimated a range of 125 miles.

Mr. and Mrs. Adventures feared draining the battery before dark. Their app recommended directions to a nearby charging station. The route took them off the highway and along an isolated road. The afternoon light dimmed as a storm loomed before them. As the road twisted and turned, Mr. Adventures gripped the steering wheel, slowed the car, searching for the charging station. Mrs. Adventures pointed and shouted, “There’s a sign.”

They turned down a rough dirt road, slowly weaving around deep potholes and through puddles. In front of them stood a cluster of abandoned wooden buildings. The car parked in the center of the cluster. The Adventures climbed out and headed to a nearby building.

Between two buildings ahead of them, a mangy dog appeared. The cur glared at them, curled its upper lip, and growled. The Adventures stopped and drew close together, feeling vulnerable and exposed. Suddenly other mongrels appeared from behind the many buildings. As one, the pack lifted their heads and let out a chilling chorus of howls.

The lost couple froze. Terror gripped them as the pack slowly moved closer, encircling them. The Adventures clutched each other, looking around for an escape or a weapon. They found none.

The pack stood threateningly close, then became eerily quiet, waiting for a signal from the head mongrel. The Adventures faced their attackers, fearing for their lives, their hearts in their throats.

Suddenly, a door banged from an abandoned building. Poof, the pack was gone.

The Adventures’ relief was overwhelming. They stood shaking and tried to collect themselves.

From the building with the banging door, a nasal voice called out, “Are you looking for a charge?”

Mr. Adventures choked out a reply, “Yeah.”

A tall, thin man in a shabby raincoat suddenly appeared to their left. “Well, just pull your car behind the yellow shack. I’ve got a fast charger. Plug it in and come on inside. It’s all free if you buy a couple beers.”

Our couple quickly got back into the safety of their car. Mrs. Adventures wanted to leave but Mr. Adventures argued to stay and get a charge. They parked, plugged in, and went inside.

The place was empty besides their host behind the bar. The dark and dusty pub had seen better days. The couple walked toward their host, their shoes grabbing on the sticky floor. They slid onto stools across from the bartender.

Mr. Adventures asked, “Do you have anything to eat?”

“I do,” said the bartender and immediately left, coming back with two bowls of chili.

“I heard you had a bit a trouble wit my critters. Tell ya what, the beers are on me.”

He pulled out two Heineken 0.0 cans, the new zero alcohol beers. A voice inside Mr. Adventures’ head cried, “Nooooo!”

The Adventures enjoyed some warm chili. The beers, although scary for craft beer lovers was not nearly as frightening as our bartender’s “critters”.

Cheers!

Warren

Note: Please forgive this indulgence. Consider this “scary story” therapy for my election day anxiety. This story is totally fiction except for the free Heinekens handed at an outlet mall. Be safe my friends.