Image in the rear-view mirror

"JON!"

Dozing again.

  I might be reaching my limits.

"Yes, Marion.

  How may I be of service?"

"It is your turn.

  Tell a story."

Cookies and hot chocolate have a price.

Finally,

 noticing the others sitting around me,

  I choose a story.

"Please excuse me,

  and no need to guess my name."

Tough crowd.

No laughs from a usually dependable Rolling Stones' joke.

Time to tell a tale.

"Lone driver,

  absently travelling down a dark country road.

Sees someone standing,

 and not seeking a ride.

Watching.

Few miles later,

 the driver sees the same person again.

Still watching.

 

Passes by him a third time,

 and sees flames burning on the road behind.

Turning back he finds the stranger,

 sitting in the passenger seat.

  'Just drive.  We have miles to go.'

So he drives."

The room is still quiet,

 and empty.