The Arizona sun beats down hard on a long stretch of desert road that cuts through the red desert and saguaro cacti. No one has passed by for hours. Two young women stand on the dusty shoulder. Their old car is parked across the road, hood open, engine dead. They've walked, they've waited, they've started to believe they're going to spend the night here, alone, in the middle of nowhere.
On the left, a young woman leaning against the side of the car, one shoulder against the hot bodywork. She has dark hair tied in a messy bun, skin golden from the sun. She wears a yellow crop top with a colorful graphic design on the front, a turquoise backpack on her shoulder. One hand raised to shield herself from the rays, she squints with a playful but tired smile — Amanda, the local.
On the right, a little further away, another young woman scanning the empty road, hoping to see a car approaching. Long platinum/silver hair falling over one shoulder. She wears a red crop t-shirt with black graphic text, a gray and black backpack with visible straps. One hand also raised against the glare, looking concerned but stoic, slightly pouting — Natasha, the Russian.
Then a sound of an engine. Headlights. A black and white silhouette approaching. Amanda squints, her heart pounding — and when she makes out the "SHERIFF" marking on the side, a huge smile lights up her face.
Amanda "Oh my God... OH MY GOD. Mira, Natasha, a cop! A fucking cop! Dios mío, we're saved!"
Natasha rolls her eyes, takes her cigarette out of her mouth, and lets out a sigh of relief so deep it sounds like she's been holding her breath for an hour.
Natasha "Bozhe moy... spasibo, spasibo..."
She stands up straight, wipes the dust off her jeans, trying to regain a semblance of dignity.
Natasha "Okay. Okay, don't panic. Just act cool."
Amanda giggles, waving her arms at the patrol car as it slows down, tires crunching on the gravel.
Amanda "Act cool? Babe, I'm about to kiss that man on the mouth."
The police car stops. Through the tinted windshield, they catch a glimpse of the officer inside...