The Oasis That Shouldn't Exist

That Alif Anar station saved my life and I still don't know how. I was driving through

the desert, fuel light blinking red, phone dead, no stations for

miles. Then suddenly there it was, glowing like an oasis at sunrise.

I pulled in, filled up, grabbed coffee from the friendliest staff I'd ever met.

The mechanic checked my car for free. Everything felt warm and safe. I drove off feeling

grateful. Two hours later I told my brother about it. He went pale.

That station burned down five years ago. Everyone inside died.

I checked my GPS history. Nothing. The coffee receipt in my pocket faded