So, it’s O’Dark-Thirty, and I’m trying to find the rental car return in Peoria International Airport.
I’m poking along, trying not to miss the Avis sign, when a Parking Shuttle bus comes roaring up behind me. Good Lord, man, can’t you see I’m lost?
I realize I’m in the Hertz return area, and it looks like real parking after that, so it’s time to turn around. This is why I leave early for the airport.
I’m slowly making my way down the lot when the insane shuttle bus comes roaring up behind me, again. WTF? I’m lost. Go pick up someone who knows where they are.
One more U-Turn, and the shuttle is behind me again. Seriously?
Now, he’s honking his horn.
That’s it. I’m going to die.
So, I pull over and roll down the window.
He says, “Need help?”
Wait. What? He’s not a murderer?
“I’m trying to find Avis.”
“Follow me.”
The van roars off at quite an inappropriate speed for a parking lot, but it’s not like anybody else is here.
He leads me to Avis (in my defense, it was out of the way.)
I parked and he said, “Want a ride over?”
Now, I can see the terminal, and my FitBit thinks I need the steps, but I’ve got two computers and two suitcases, and he seems friendly, for a murderer.
“Sure.”
“I’ll take you to drop your bags first, because the rental counters aren’t open yet. It’s easier to drop the bags, then drop the keys.
I was trying to get you to stop, because you looked lost, and you kept going. I was just following you, because I figured you needed help.”
So, trying to get me to stop so you can render aid just looks like stalking. Good to know.
So, a quick ride to the terminal, quick instructions on where everything is, and I’m good to go.
I’m back to being early, which is much better than being lost.
So, thank you, early morning shuttle driver, for taking pity on me, driving me around, and explaining the lay of the land.
Oh, and for not murdering me.