Seventeen-year-old Maya finds herself on the run with her younger sister Nova, escaping their controlling stepfather Ken who has become increasingly abusive since their mother's death. The story opens with Maya driving through the Utah desert in the early morning hours, having stolen cash from Ken's office and taken Nova without telling her the full truth about their destination.

As Maya navigates the empty highway toward Disneyland (though she has no real intention of going there), she struggles with guilt about involving Nova in her escape plan. Ken's wealth and connections mean he'll be furious and will use every resource to track them down. The tension escalates when Maya realizes she's running dangerously low on gas in the middle of nowhere.

Spotting a gas station near Cedar City, Maya stops to refuel, leaving sleeping Nova in the car. Inside the station, she overhears news about a Mayhem Six gang member who escaped from Nevada prisons, noting his attractive mugshot on the TV. However, her moment of distraction turns terrifying when a man suddenly grabs her from behind, pressing a cold gun to her neck.

The story establishes Maya as a determined but frightened teenager trying to protect her sister while running from an abusive home situation. The narrative combines elements of thriller and coming-of-age drama as Maya faces the dangerous reality of being on the run. The gas station encounter introduces a new threat that will likely complicate her escape plans, suggesting the dangerous world she's entered may be more perilous than simply evading her stepfather.

The excerpt reveals Maya's resourcefulness in stealing money and planning their escape, while also showing her vulnerability and the heavy responsibility she feels for her younger sister's safety. The looming threat of Ken's pursuit, combined with the immediate danger at the gas station, creates a tense atmosphere that drives the narrative forward.