This is so out of left-field but I just thought of this song when I was reading your story. I have taken a liking to one country artist (and I don't really even like country) but this line makes me think of the south.

So take me down a road that's a little bit windy

To a place they still put sugar in their iced tea.

I've never been to the south but I'm totally on this journey with you through your stories.