Melody spotted the gas station by the side of the road and murmured a prayer of thanks. She had polished off a 64-ounce Diet Coke, and her bladder was ready to explode. She jumped out of her car and raced into the convenience store yelling frantically, "I need the key."

The store clerk turned to her and snorted. "Bathrooms are for paying customers only."

"I am a customer," she barked. She grabbed a candy bar and tossed it on the counter. "I'll pay for it when I get back."

"Good enough." The clerk pulled the bathroom key from his pocket and demanded, "Give me your car key."

"What?"

"Your car key. I want to make sure you're coming back to purchase your item?"

Melody was in no condition to negotiate. She traded keys and took off running.

A few minutes later, a much-relieved Melody emerged from the restroom and looked around. The gas pumps looked a little strange, but she couldn't put her finger on what it was exactly. She furrowed her brows in contemplation, re-entered the convenience store and handed back the key.

"Thanks," the clerk said as he dropped it in his pocket. "I'm Steve, by the way."

"Melody," she replied.

"Well, Melody, what's a young woman like yourself doing driving alone at night?"

"Well, Steve," she said clenching her fists, "my boyfriend and I broke up tonight and he kicked me out. The jackass cheated on me, and I was the one that had to leave." She sniffled, "The only place I had to go was my brother's farm in Springhill and so that's where I'm headed."

Steve muttered, "I'm sorry, dear. That really stinks."

Melody looked up at him, "You don't have to feel sorry for me or anything, the farm is beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing my brother." She took out her camera to show Steve some photos of the property. Before handing it over, she snapped a few pictures of him for her daily Instagram post.

"Snazzy camera you got there," said Steve. "I've never seen anything like it."

"Really," Melody said, "digital cameras have been around for years." She stood next to Steve and patiently taught him how to view the photos. He reminded her of her grandfather, and she found that very comforting.

Steve smiled, "The farm looks lovely, but Springhill is two hours away and you're clearly exhausted. It's not safe for you to drive."

"I'm fine. Hand me my car key and I'll pay for my purchase."

Steve reached into his pocket and feigned surprise. "Hmm, your key seems to have disappeared. That's so mysterious. Listen," he said, "there's a room upstairs with a comfortable bed and it's all yours. It's a rental, so it has a lock and a private bathroom. I'll give you the friends and family discount."

Melody felt relief surge through her like a warm bath. After such a horrible day, Steve's kindness was just what she needed. She went upstairs and slid into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Melody awoke feeling refreshed and skipped into the convenience store.

"Good morning, Steve," she gushed.

"Hi Melody, how was your night?"

"Great, Steve. I slept like a baby. How was yours?"

"Mine was a bit slow so I took it upon myself to fill your car with gas and pack up some snacks for the road."

"That's so nice. How much do I owe you?"

"That'll be $24.95 including room, gas and snacks."

Her jaw dropped. "That can't be right."

Steve just winked.

Melody paid her bill and hugged Steve tightly.

"How can I ever thank you?"

"No thanks needed. Just drive safely."

Melody climbed into her car and as was pulling away, she noticed a jagged piece of glass on the ground. She looked through the rear-view mirror and spotted a couple of broken store windows. That's weird, she thought. How did I not notice?

Later that afternoon, as Melody regaled her brother with tales of Steve's kindness, he frowned in confusion.

"You can't be talking about Steve's Gas and Grill on Route 89. That place closed down fifty years ago after the owner died. It's been abandoned ever since."

"What are you talking about?" Melody snapped. "I was just there." She held out her camera to show her brother the pictures she took of Steve. They were all blank.

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