“Just a few more kilometres,” said Troy, “And we’ll be on the longest straightest road in the world.” His face lit up. My eyes drifted from the road to him then back. “You’re really excited about seeing it, aren’t you?” “Yeh.” He unwrapped a muesli bar. “You’re not?” “Thrilled.” Maybe not as much as him. But who doesn’t love a road trip? The Prius coughed and spluttered. Troy cut his eyes to me. “What was that?” “I think-” The car slowed. My foot squeezed the accelerator. Nothing. Oh no. No, no, no, no, no! Not here. I managed to pull onto the side of the road, in time for the engine to cut out. Troy’s forefinger tapped the fuel gage. “We shouldn’t have run out of petrol. I’ll have a look.” He jumped out. I popped the bonnet and followed. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. His eyes swept over the battery and radiator. “Hm.” He slid under the vehicle. “What are you doing?” I said. “Checking the fuel tank.” He was silent for a moment.
