An eighteen-wheeler dumped a heavy water spray across Dylan’s windshield. He smiled at the fear and excitement of being blinded for a few seconds. At the next curve, a northbound car hydroplaned into Dylan’s southbound path. The car ahead of Dylan swerved right, avoiding a collision, but broke into a spin and skidded on the gravel shoulder, coming to a rest against the hillside and its minimal shoulder. The wheels were in a small gully gushing with water.

Dylan stopped on the shoulder by the marooned vehicle with his four-way flashers going as memories of his crash two years ago flooded his mind. He jumped out, climbed into his rain slicker, and ran to the other car while he grabbed for his cell phone. He dialed 911 and waited. His heart pounded. He squinted and realized he had no cell phone service. The other driver emerged.

Dylan yelled over the howl of the wind, “Hey, you should stay in your car and don’t move to protect your injuries. I have no cell service, but I’ll drive back until I do and call for the highway patrol and an ambulance for you.”

The tall, well-built young man flashed a smile. “Bro, chill out. My car just kissed the hillside. No big deal. You look like it was you who crashed.” He finished snapping his full-length red raincoat closed and pulled the hood over his collar-length black hair. “Thanks for stopping.”

Dylan wondered what accent he had. “Are you hurt?”

“I’m cool.” He knocked his head. “Hawaiian skull, extra thick.” He cackled into the storm as he surveyed the situation. “Regular passenger cars suck in this environment. I want my four-wheel-drive, but it’s in the shop. My boss made me take this.”

Dylan stepped up. “My Subaru has four-wheel drive. I have a tow cable.” He smiled at the big man’s calm.

“Let’s go for it.”

Dylan rushed to the trunk and yanked out a steel cable with sturdy hooks and a tarp. He ran back.

The man dropped the tarp, lay down, and checked the underside of his car. “Got a place here to hook to.”

Heavy hail stung Dylan’s face as he transferred the cable. He thrilled at being outside, enduring the forces of nature. “I’ll bring my car up.”

“Good, bro, I’ll wait here.” He laughed.

Dylan backed to the stranded car and got out.

The man stood, still sporting his smirk. “Great day, huh?” He stared at Dylan’s license plate. “California, huh? Where from?”

Cool, we can just chat, standing in the storm. “San Jose, born and raised. That’s just south of San Francisco.”

“I have a great uncle who teaches Jujitsu in San Jose.” He extended a large hand. “I’m Kimo. Hawaiian boy. Lived in Oregon now ten years, since I was eighteen.” Hail collected on his broad shoulders, giving him a regal appearance.

They shook hands. “I’m Dylan.” He swayed in the wind and enjoyed it.

Kimo dropped a hand on Dylan’s shoulder. “Bro, you better get back in your car. You’re too small and skinny. You might blow away.” He winked.