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Not long after, a white, medium-sized RV pulled up behind the pickup truck. When it came to a stop, the driver switched on the hazard lights. While parking on the highway, especially in heavy rain, is against traffic regulations, in the desolate stretches of Texas, where a vehicle might not pass for hours, the rules were more flexible.
Honk! Honk! The sound of a car horn pierced the rain. A young boy leaned out of the RV's window, waving enthusiastically.
"Hey guys! Did your car break down? Need some help?" he shouted over the storm.
Inside the RV, several girls poked their heads out through the windows, shielding themselves from the rain and curiously peeking over at the pickup truck.
"Wow, what a nice group of people," Pietro muttered to himself, his eyes flickering with a mix of surprise and appreciation. Having been a wanderer for much of his life and later enduring harsh experiences at the experimental base, he understood the risks of stopping to help strangers in a remote area, especially in this weather.
Yet, the boy had done just that. There was no malice in his voice or actions, and Pietro, with his heightened awareness, could sense the boy's genuine kindness.
That kind of goodness shouldn't just vanish in a place like this, Pietro thought, a cold light flashing briefly in his eyes.
He exchanged a glance with Wanda, who nodded slightly. Pietro leaned out of the window and called back, "Hey man, you're right—our car broke down. Could really use a hand."
"Wow, that's rough! This weather's been crazy! Luckily, our RV's got a tow hook. We can pull your car if you need," the red-haired boy shouted back, eager to help.
Pietro immediately responded, "Thanks a lot, man, you're really an angel."
The boy laughed, "Haha, yeah, I'll be your angel tonight."
Clearly a social butterfly, the boy showed no shyness or caution toward strangers. After responding enthusiastically to Pietro, he hit the gas, maneuvered the RV in front of the pickup, and stepped out into the rain with an umbrella.
The side door of the RV opened, and three women and one man followed him out, all young and of varying heights. The girls were strikingly attractive, each holding an umbrella. Seeing them approach, Pietro, Wanda, and Sumarokov got out of their pickup as well, umbrellas in hand.
The first meeting between both groups went smoothly. Wanda's flawless figure and stunning features, along with Pietro and Sumarokov's handsome looks and visibly toned muscles beneath their short sleeves, made a good impression.
The curly-haired boy initially inspected the pickup but decided that, with the heavy rain, it was easier to just tow the truck rather than investigate the problem. He hopped back into the RV's driver's seat, hooked up the tow line to the pickup's bumper, and stepped back out, clapping his hands, pleased with his handiwork.
"All done!" he said with a grin. "Hey, why don't you guys join us? We couldn't sleep anyway and were planning to play some games. There's plenty of room in the RV."
Pietro exchanged a glance with Wanda, who shrugged.
"Sure, why not," Pietro said.
"Yoho! That's awesome!" The group cheered happily, splashing in the puddles. Watching this lively scene, Pietro, Wanda, and Sumarokov couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth. It was a moment that reminded them of family.
Afterwards, Pietro and Wanda grabbed the large bags of snacks, drinks, and fruits they had bought and carried them from the pickup truck into the RV. Seeing all the food, the group of boys and girls inside the RV cheered excitedly.
They were just a group of students and close friends who had decided a year ago to buy an RV and travel together during the holidays.
To make it happen, they had saved money for a whole year, living frugally and working part-time jobs during their vacations.
With a bit of financial help from their families, the five of them finally spent $80,000 on the RV, which included the custom interior they had designed together. The result was a space that reflected their youthful creativity.
The RV was surprisingly spacious. Near the front, there was a foldable bed above a small TV that they had only kept because it was cheaper to leave it in rather than replace it.
They also used a projector for watching movies. At the back of the RV was a large bed big enough for all five of them, along with a shower, toilet, and a small kitchen.
In the middle of the RV were two rows of seats and a spot for their computers.
The two boys were Jeff, the curly-haired and enthusiastic driver, and Adam. The three girls, from tallest to shortest, were Lena, Siri, and Sylvia.
The group of students were all from West Virginia, attending Marche University. Pietro, Wanda, and Sumarokov pretended to be students from New York University.
Since everyone was young, lively, and full of energy—and with plenty of snacks and drinks to go around—the atmosphere inside the RV quickly became fun and cheerful. They played various small games, which helped them bond even more.
At one point, the three girls surrounded Wanda, hugging her and occasionally brushing their cheeks against hers, acting like close friends.
Adam, one of the boys, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. He had developed a crush on Wanda the moment he saw her, but with the presence of Pietro and Sumarokov—both strikingly handsome—he kept his feelings to himself.
As the RV continued down the highway, towing the pickup truck behind it, the sound of laughter and playful banter filled the vehicle. But amidst the fun, Wanda, Pietro, and Sumarokov remained on alert. There was still an unknown and mysterious threat lingering in the background, though they hadn't been able to detect it yet.
Sumarokov, sitting near the window, appeared to be enjoying the games with the group, but his sharp eyes kept scanning the surroundings outside. Pietro, sitting nearby, quietly muttered to Wanda, "That thing is really patient."
"We're not far from the city," Wanda whispered back. "It'll definitely make a move soon. Stay ready."
"Yeah," Pietro nodded.