I think I just met a time traveler.

I just got home from work. And I feel like I am losing my mind. I am horrified by what just happened and hoping someone can help me relax from this.

To start with, I work at a diner in Roswell, New Mexico. I know, before you say anything, I have not seen anything odd in the 21 years I have lived here. That is until tonight.

Our diner is a roadside stop called, Shelly's. It's a family business that my town has always had. Im not sure how far this family goes, anyway, doesn't matter.

I was working a closing shift, which meant it's midnight, and I am alone. The outside sky was black and starry and the diner's neon lights clashed with the beauty of the vast sky. I was finishing up sweeping when I heard the familiar "jingle" of the door.

My heart stopped. Scared to turn around for fear of what, or who, I would see. I could have sworn I closed and locked that door.

I moved to the side of the counter, feeling someone's eyes on me.

I grabbed a knife that was on the counter and slowly turned around.

In front of me stood a tall, well dressed man. He did not seem threatening, other than, he is in the diner at midnight with a girl, alone.

"Excuse me, sir. We are closed. I am not sure why the door is open." I said, trying not to sound horrified.

I was simultaneously looking over at the 24 hr truck stop that is right beside Shelly's. Steve's truck is still there. I have someone who can hear me get murdered.

The man just looked at me as he walked into the light. He was handsome, in a classy old western way. He had dark hair, pale to light skin, and a bright smile.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion. I am traveling through here and am in desperate need of a coffee." He said nodding towards the still warm coffee pot on the kitchen counter.

"The register is closed sir. I am going to have to ask you to leave. Steve's truck stop right next door has coffee."

"Their machine is broken. I am just trying to make it home to my family. I will leave you cash."

I glanced to the coffee pot and back at the man. Still holding the knife in my hand I decided, it's just coffee. I will give him a to-go cup and send him out.

And I am locking that door!

I tuck the knife into my sweatshirt pocket that is thankfully covering my uniform shirt with my name on it. At least some part of me is a secret.

I make my way over to the coffee pot, keeping an eye on the man. He makes his way to the counter. He is wearing a wedding ring and he appears older when he is fully in the light of the overhead "To-Go!" sign above the cash register.

"Cream or sugar?" I ask, refusing to look at him.

"Just plain for me." He responds.

I place a lid on the cup, turn around, and give it to the man. Still avoiding his eyes.

He takes the cup, his index finger brushing my hand, cold and unfeeling. I find myself shivering with the touch.

He places $5 on the counter and walks towards the door. As I let the air leave my lungs he stops and tuns around.

"Oh, and Sara, take the right road to go home, not the left." He says as he leaves the diner.

I run to the door to lock it, without even realizing what he just said to me.

Sara.

He said my name.

Heart pounding, I jumped out the front door, frantically looking for the man. He was gone. Nothing but dust and neon lights in his wake.

Steve was taking out the trash and noticed me freaking out.

"Sara! Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost." He asked, making his way to me.

"Steve, did you see him? The man in the suit. The one that just left. He came into your store before the diner. He wanted coffee. He said your machine was broken." I said, frantically scanning the parking lot.

"Honey, I haven't had a customer in over 2 hours. Oddly quiet night. Plus, our coffee machine is brand new, pristine shape. I just fixed myself a cup." He said. I couldn't hear him, my ears were ringing so loud in my head.

I need to go home. I need to leave. I need sleep.

"Thanks Steve, sorry. I think I might be a bit tired." I said, feeling my heart rate slow to normal again.

"Why don't you get your things, lock up, and I will make sure you make it to your car." Steve said, pure fatherly concern in his voice.

All I can do is nod my head. I make my way back in the diner, unplugging the coffee machine. I got my purse and keys. I turned off all the lights and locked the door. I checked the door from outside for about 30 seconds, making sure it wouldn't open.

I made my way across the parking lot, Steve in tow. I unlocked my door and got inside. When I shut the door I rolled the window down to face Steve who looked very worried about me.

"Please, be careful, kid. I'm worried about ya." Steve was such a dad. His kids all grown up, he just has that fatherly spirit.

"I will, I am so sorry for my craziness." I say, feeling embarrassed.

"Nothing to apologize for kiddo. Drive safe." he says as he waves to me walking back to his truck stop.

I started the car and drove to the exit of the parking lot. I sat there for what felt like hours.

"Take the right road to go home, not the left." The mysterious man's words played in my head.

Looking right and left about 6 times, I turned to the right.

It took an extra 10 minutes to get to my apartment but it gave me enough time to relax and clear my head.

I got out of my car, locking the door and walking to my apartment door. Before I could even put my key in the lock the door is ripped open by my sister, my roommate.

She jumps into my arms, crying her eyes out.

"Cassie, what is going on?!" I ask, hugging her back.

"I thought you were there. Thank God you are okay!" she states, hugging me tighter.

"Cas, what are you talking about?"

"Come inside." She says wiping her tears off her pink cheeks. she had been crying for a while.

She walked me into the living room.

On the screen was the news.

An emergency broadcast.

"A 10 car pile up on the left side of highway 12 killed each driver involved."

I felt the color drain from my face.

That voice in my head again.

"Take the right road to go home, not the left."