Adopt a Highway

As Russell Millings emerges from prison after serving a 21-year term for a minor marijuana offense, he is confronted with the stark changes that have taken place since the early 1990s. The burger restaurant that offers him employment starkly contrasts with the relaxed atmosphere he once knew, while the internet café where he searches for information about his late father, who passed away in 2001, feels like a reminder of a bygone era.

In this unfamiliar world, Russell comes across a shocking discovery—an abandoned baby girl named Ella, left in a dumpster behind the restaurant. A note revealing her name sets off a transformative journey for Russell. As he grapples with the responsibility of caring for Ella, he begins to rekindle a sense of belonging and love, sharing stories of his father’s passion for stamp collecting, which strengthens their bond.

However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Following a devastating accident that lands Ella in the hospital, Russell finds himself under scrutiny, forced to defend his ability to care for her. In the wake of this crisis, he undertakes a solitary pilgrimage to Casper, Wyoming. There, he visits his father’s grave and begins to piece together the life and legacy of the man he hardly knew.

As Russell digs deeper, he discovers his father’s safety deposit box, filled with a remarkable collection of stamps, including the highly sought-after Tyrian plum, accompanied by a heartfelt letter that reveals his father’s enduring affection. The past unravels further as he explores his father’s storage unit, each new item providing insight into a man who had been a mystery for so long.

With a fresh perspective on his life and a renewed sense of purpose, Russell sets his sights on Los Angeles, determined to check on Ella’s well-being at Family & Child Services. After gaining a measure of closure, he leaves the city behind, clutching a bus ticket that symbolizes both uncertainty and hope. When asked where he’s headed next, Russell’s face lights up with a smile, contemplating the endless opportunities that await him—a blank canvas poised to be filled with color and vibrancy.

Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 11:17