Unease Looms

Some of the younger bikers shifted in place, stealing glances at each other like someone else had the answer they needed. The easy mood was gone, replaced by something heavier none of them could name. Even their laughter rang hollow, sharp around the edges.

Travis tried hard to regain everyone’s attention as he barked a shaky joke and challenged the trucker to a race. A few scattered chuckles followed, but they sounded like people laughing at a funeral. Then, without a hint of anger, the trucker chuckled to himself, and that soft laugh hit harder than any punch.