Female Truck Driver Gave Lost Boy A Lift. When She Heard His Story, She Immediately Turned Back To Drop Him Off

The kid couldn’t have been older than ten, standing on the side of a deserted highway with nothing but a backpack. I pulled over, rolled down my window. “You okay, bud?” His eyes were wide, scared, but he nodded. He mumbled something. The way he spoke unsettled me, but I let him in—figured I’d drop him off at the next town. Then, as we drove, he told me his story.

The second I heard it, I slammed on the brakes and turned the truck around…

Once inside, the boy sat quietly on the passenger seat. He was clutching his backpack as if his life depended on it. I couldn't help but wonder what his story could be. The hum of the truck engine was the only sound, filling the silence in the cabin. I drove on, thinking about what to say next when he peeked into the rearview mirror. Like he was checking if something showed up in it. Like he was worried about being followed.

Coming across kids in strange situations isn't common for a truck driver. Wanting to try and start up a conversation with the boy, I asked, “What’s your name, kid?” He took a deep breath and stuttered, “It’s Jake.” I nodded, urged him to relax. It was clear he wasn't used to uncomfortable situations. I figured easing him in with simple questions might help a bit. It might even calm my own nerves a bit as well.