A Hollow Man

The drive to the ranch is quiet; Tyler has been staring out the window most of the time. I tried speaking, but it is like my words are falling on death ears. I can feel the heaviness hanging in the air, pain radiating from his body.

Before we reach the city, I need to stop for gas, the very same gas station I have been stopping every time I make this trip.

As I come to the store clerk to pay, he immediately recognizes my face. There is a slight smile filled with confusion playing in his eyes, “Don’t tell me your dream fell through again.”

I look on over to the truck, and the attendant follows my eyed,  “My dream is in that truck.” I pause for a moment and turn to look at the clerk again, “His body is there, but his mind is gone.”

“Well,” he starts, and there is genuine concern in his voice, “Whatever happened, I am sure time will heal his wounds.”

I only but give h