“It’s really sad to leave this place…”
I told that to Monica, the owner of the Super 8 Motel.
She replied softly, “…Yeah… me too.”
To be honest, I had caused her a lot of trouble. I lost my phone, left my room key inside and locked myself out… Every time, she helped me without a single annoyed look.
So to them, I was the “boy who needs looking after.” I already stand out enough as it is, but this made me even more memorable. Everyone there cared about me and looked after me warmly.
I wanted to extend my stay, but if I kept doing that, there would be no end. At some point, you have to leave.
“Encounters and farewells.” As long as humans live, they’re unavoidable. Deep or shallow, a farewell is still a farewell. And it brings a little sadness.
Alright…
My partner is waiting. The tank is full. He’s freshly washed. We can leave anytime.
Our destination:
Colorado!!
I started riding— but immediately spotted a cute little café.
Its name was:
“CACTUS CAFE.”
I wanted to go in right away. As I parked my partner, a customer walked out. I asked:
“Is this place good?”
“Yeah, not bad,” he said.
Inside, the small café was almost full. A group of five or six workers— Mexican guys—were eating. Probably before heading to work.
The café seemed famous for tacos. I ordered a hard taco, a soft taco, and a lemonade.
Everything tasted great. I preferred the soft taco.
When I asked for the bill:
“$3.”
Too cheap. The food was really good.
With my stomach and heart satisfied, I set off again.
Soon I noticed there were many bikers on the road today. Lots of Harleys. We exchanged greetings every time we passed.
Bikers really do cross all boundaries. Words aren’t needed. To know someone, riding together is the fastest way. Everything about a person is in their riding. Look at their back, and you can see their life.
Men speak with their backs— that’s what I believe. Not trying to be cool— men are just clumsy creatures. But sometimes, things are understood without words.
Anyway— I’m now riding toward Colorado. I can feel the air changing. There’s no humidity in the West. I love the climate here.
According to what I heard, I’ll have to cross mountains soon. It’ll be chilly. Maybe I should buy something warm if I find a shop ahead.
Looks like I’m finally returning to the West…
To be continued…
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