Man gives hitchhiker a lift home-and is shocked by the news the next day

 The ringtone rang through the silence, each vibration a reminder of the weight of his decision. Carter prepared himself for the conversation with the police, for him to have to explain his brief encounter with Avery and the indelible impression she had made on him.He rehearsed the words he would use in his head, hoping to offer something, even a small clue, that would help him find her and get her home safely. The pressure of the moment weighed heavily on him as he prepared to make the call.