ONE I ASKED FOR (2:50 IN TULARE)

[Verse 1] Greyhound out of Union Station, Northbound hum and afternoon light. Tulare Bus Stop — 2:50, Eighteen degrees, sky wide. Agri-Center on a folded map, Creases in the wrong place. A man stepped down from a faded truck, Soil living under his nails. “Need a hand?” — like it’s nothing. “Gentleman,” like it’s true. We took the wrong road for a mile, Turned back like people do. He smiled and said, “It’s my honor.” [Chorus] One I asked for, One I didn’t. Two cups sweating in the sun. 2:50 in Tulare — That’s when it happened. The world kept moving. I didn’t. One I asked for, One I didn’t. [Verse 2] Hotel hallway, quiet and thin, “Good morning” in the air. Later on in a small café, Green apron, ponytail. Her tag said Vanessa. She slid them over easy: “Made an extra — keep it.” Venti black in a heavy glass, Cold against my hands. Some days the second cup Is the one that stays. [Chorus] One I asked for, One I didn’t. Two cups shining in the light. 2:50 in Tulare — Dust in the air. The world kept moving. I didn’t. One I asked for, One I didn’t. [Bridge] Union Station feels far away When somebody stops mid-day. Wrong way first. Turn back. [Final Chorus] One I asked for, One I didn’t. Two cups steady in my hands. 2:50 in Tulare — Still where I stand. The world keeps moving. I don’t. One I asked for. One I didn’t. [Outro – Soft] 2:50 in Tulare… One I asked for. One I didn’t.