Tires skidding

Metal crushing

My scream echoes.

 

I jolt awake

Blinking in the

Darkness, haunted

Breath heavy, the drive.

 

My leg aches.

 I close my eyes:

The truck grows closer.

 

I open my eyes

Can't sleep.

Roll out of bed

Not ready to drive.

 

I grab my bag.

My sister waits;

she's still sore.

 

I look at Dad

Eyes pleading

I'm scared

He says drive.

 

Deep brearths:

Behind the wheel,

Eyes unblinking.

 

The engine roars

I hesitate.

I can't do it.

Mom says drive.

 

I drive slow,

Feeling the curves

Of the road.

 

Red lights

Turn to green.

My sister watches

She says drive.

 

The feel of

The petal beneath

My feet: it's right.

 

Unbelieving,

I feel free:

The ghosts and

guilt gone forever.

 

I say drive.