I
Just Want to Go Home
By
Richard Lee
Other
taxi drivers had warned me about driving along this street, especially on a
Friday night. I thought it was a joke until I realized they were serious. Still
I don't believe in fairy tales or ghosts or any of that hogwash. This patch of
town was mine; no other drivers wanted it. An untapped gold mine I'd thought at
the time. That was until last week.
The
day had started off as normal. The alarm rang at six thirty. It's beep
beep beep slowly growing on my nerves. Over the years I've come accustomed
to it but it still irritates my wife, Sarah. Irritates her to the point where
she grabs her pillow and starts pounding me on the head with it.
"Quit
it," I yell jokingly, trying my best to protect my face from her feather
filled bomb of uttermost pleasure.
"Gary,
turn that friggin thing off."
I
do as she commands. Instantly, she curls into a fetal position under the
blankets, keeping the cold winter morning at bay.
The
soles of my feet feel the sting of a cold wooden floor as I paddle across the
hall to the bathroom. The sound of the television wafts up from downstairs.
Debbie awake early as usual during school holidays engrossed in Power Rangers or
whatever it was seven-year-olds watched these days.
I
prefer to shower at night, especially in the winter season, so preparing to get
ready for the day consists of pouring cold water on my hair and splashing my
face. The reflection in the mirror shows a tired forty two-year-old taxi driver
with curly dark hair, thinning on top and blood shot eyes. A shadow on my chin
which really should be shaved, but I couldn't be bothered. Instead I only rubbed
my face vigorously with the cold water and felt myself slowly waking up.
Time
for the morning pee. I saw the steam rising off the flow and wondered if my
breath would turn white. Something caught my eye, a flash of color where there
shouldn't be. Slowly I looked up above the toilet tank. A frosted window above
it usually kept closed unless someone had taken a dump. It was open and in the
sunrise glow I saw the rain pounding down. I hadn't heard it earlier, although I
should have 'cause it was really coming down. Raining
cats and dogs as they say.
For
some reason it grabbed my attention. I forgot about directing the line of flow
and heard it splatter the floor. Lightning burned the sky and in that second I
saw a face. An old lady was wearing a cheap plastic raincoat with a hood. One of
those emergency ones that didn't really protect you from shit. I'd never seen
anyone so wrinkled she must have been a hundred or more. It was then that I
realized I was on the second floor.
The
old lady grinned showing black and yellow teeth not a lot of them. I tried to
step back, not knowing my boxers had slipped and fallen around my ankles. My
right foot hooked the elastic and I tumbled down backwards, arms flailing at my
sides trying to find something to stop my fall. I felt searing hot pain as my
side found the toilet paper holder. Then I was on the floor, clutching my side
and swearing.
"Gary,
what on earth are you doing?" Sarah's up and about.
I
looked back at the window, it seemed like a good idea at the time. The rain was
still coming down and the old lady's face stared at me. Her eyes were small and
oval shaped. Black as coal.
There
was a knock on the door.
"Gary,
are you okay?"
I
pushed myself against the wall. The face was growing larger, as if it was trying
to come through the window but something was holding it back, something would
not let it enter this sphere. It seemed a crazy thought at the time but totally
logical.
I
hadn't realized my arms were crossed in front of my face, not until Lucy shook
me awake.
"Babe,"
she said soothingly, "You were having a bad dream."
I
was lying in bed, the sheet twisted around one leg, the other hanging off the
bed. The summer sun beamed through the gaps in the curtains. I looked over at
the alarm clock. 7:20.
"You
all right?"
I
collected my thoughts and took in the surroundings.
"Christ,"
I said, "It seem so real. Everything was the same except, only your name
was… and Katie was seven, I think …" My words trailed off. I was still
shaken and could feel the sweat glistening my head.
"Except
what?"
"Oh,
nothing." I lied, running my hands through my long hair.
"Was
it …
him again?"
I
pretended not to hear Lucy. Swung my legs off the bed and sat up. The alarm
buzzed and she reached past me to turn it off. I cupped my hands and held my
head. "It seemed so real, Lucy." I started then stopped. Fragments of
the dream flashed before my closed eyes. Pieces of a mixed puzzle. Curly hairs,
tired eyes, rain and then suddenly it was gone the way of all dreams.
Lucy
wrapped her arms around me, cuddling my back. Her hands gently stroked my chest.
She kissed my ear and whispered, "Time to get ready for work."
"Oh,
I forgot to tell you, I got the night shift. Carl's off sick past couple of
days, my turn to fill in for him. I also get to cruise down 173rd
Street."
She
released her cuddle.
"What?
It's my special route."
"No
one goes down 173rd street on Friday night."
I
turned around and knelt on the bed in front of her. "You don't believe in
that hogwash, do you?"
Lucy
shook her head, "Of course not. But it's your first month as a taxi driver.
I don't think there are ghosts or ghouls but perhaps some bad elements hang out
there on Friday nights."
I
hugged her. Lucy the worrier, I used to call her before we got married and she
had Katie. Sweet three year-old Katie, who calls me daddy, even though I ain't.
My best friend …
Sonofabitch.
"Nothing's
gonna happen, babe." I could hear her sobs and although her crying never
bothered me, I pretended it did and hugged her tighter. "I'll make ya a
promise, okay?" I waited for her to look at me. When she finally did, her
eyes were red and her cheeks were stained from the tears.
"Promise
me you won't go down that street tonight, any night but Friday, Okay? Please
promise me that."
"I
promise I won't go down that street."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh."
"Katie,
really loves you and I do too."
I
rolled off the bed, "I know that," I replied heading for the bathroom.
There are just some things I can't give a "Yes" answer too.
The
day dragged on. I ate breakfast and lunch, played with Katie and her dolls,
messed about and at three decided to get in a nap before work at seven. Katie
joined me, I laid her down on her mother's side. After two minutes she was
asleep soundlessly. Damn life was easy for kids. Still, everyone had to grow up
and face responsibilities.
Unlike
that Sonofabitch best friend of mine. He finds out Lucy's pregnant, knows I'm
out to Kung Fu his ass and he goes and injects too much crack. O.D. Pussy.
I
looked at the alarm clock, 1530. I curled up under the sheet, had second
thoughts and rolled over to Katie, her innocent face, all muscles relaxed. I
took her in my arms and fell asleep holding her.
It
seemed as if only a second had passed before the alarm awoke me at 1800. I felt
more tired than when I went to bed. Katie was gone, no surprise there. She
would've crawled out from under me and went to look for mummy.
I
pulled the tangled sheet off me and went to the closet. Hanging in front of me
was the new uniform of Speedy Cab co. Crisp and black, same color as the taxi. I
put on the uniform, adjusted my Donald Duck printed tie and slipped into the
jacket. My name tag glistened before me in the mirror, Gary Donaldson, Driver. I
hand brushed my long black hair into an acceptable state and place the company
cap backwards on my head.
Laughter
came from downstairs, Lucy and Katie sharing a joke. My watch alarm beeped 6:30,
time to say goodbye and head off to the office to clock in. One more week to the
end of the month, no more salary, everything's commission after that, and that's
where the big bucks are.
I
turned away from the mirror and caught a glimpse of a rain sodden raincoat. I
spun back to face the mirror and saw only me. A chill ran an icicle of fear
along my spine. I had a sudden feeling of someone watching me from behind, but I
couldn't see anyone in the mirror. Still I didn't turn around, instead I took a
few side steps towards the door then made a quarter turn and bolted for the
safety of the hall..
Once
in the hallway, hearing gentle laughter coming from the living room, I felt
foolish. Like a stupid kid afraid of his own shadow. Even worse, afraid of
something I didn't truly believe in.
Friday
the 12th, at least it wasn't the 13th that would freak
Lucy out. Friday the 12th, what was it about the date? I could feel
the memory pulling at me, but I was very time conscious. I must be pulling out
of the driveway at exactly 6:45.
The
laughter had stopped by the time I got to the living room. I had a smile and
both Katie and Lucy laughed at my backward company cap. It got the reaction I
was after.
"Daddy
funny," Katie said through giggles.
"Hey,
this is the latest fashion in the taxi world." I said.
"No
it's not," Katie said, "It's silly."
"Silly
is as silly be," I answered with a grin. I looked at my watch 6:46. Damn
it. "Daddy's gotta go, little miss."
"Goodbye
kiss, first." She puckered her lips.
I
gave her a quick peck and headed out, just noticing Lucy's lost look. I returned
and gave her a kiss without any emotion in it. Usually I could fake it, but not
today…
something about the date. Something I had blocked.
Realizing
I was running late, I rushed out the door and jumped into my car. It was old and
there wasn't any
time to warm her up today. I gave the old Toyota a few quick revs and
headed off. Arriving at work just in time to beat the clock.
"Hey,
Donaldson." It was the boss. He was very strict but also fair when the need
arose.
"Yes,
Sir?" I said, worried about just arriving in time. Most other drivers were
in early. They like to drink a cup of coffee and spin shit about hot girls who
wanted a ride and gave the driver something a bit better than the fare.
"Larry's
going to be a bit late with your cab. He got a flag down." He came up close
to me and said quietly, "Talk with the lads, they think you're a snob.
Remember happy workers within the circle make a happy company. You need to get
in the circle. Try." He gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"I'll
give it a whirl, boss." I smiled with no intention of doing that. They
looked like losers or people with little hope and big bullshit stories. Instead
I'll disappear for ten minutes or so.
Turns
out I didn't have to, Larry pulled in about a minute later, he looked more tired
than usual from his 2 to 7 shift. He climbed out and tossed the keys to me. I
failed to catch them; this brought laughs and a couple of heckles. I scooped
them up off the concrete floor as Larry said, "She's gassed up and ready to
roll. Luck to ya."
I
nodded, a quick snap of the head, climbed into the taxi and headed for town.
The
sun was setting earlier these days, the end of summer was almost here. Soon it
would be time to flick the clocks back an hour. I wondered when this was. I have
always been terrible with dates. If it wasn't for TV announcements and radio
DJ's I'd be an hour early or late forever.
The
streets in town were busy as usual, company trucks doing overtime, car loads of
hooligans with music blearing. All of them with a cigarette dangling between dry
lips. Skin heads, gang members, stoners, hippie wannabes
and ordinary folk all walking the street together. Vaguely aware of each
other; each in their own little world, going their own way. Just like me.
"Bugger
it!" I cursed as I turned the corner to the taxi stand. How many are there?
Seven, eight? Fuck it, I'm gonna be stuck idle for the next hour or so.
Should've brought a book to read.
I
pulled up and parked behind an independent operator and started to twiddle my
thumbs. Even forgot the cell phone, not that I have anyone to call. I turned on
the radio to an 80's station and tapped my fingers to some of the best music
ever created.
Someone
tapped on the window. A young lady and she was very attractive, ladies like her
were the basis of every crude story spun at the taxi company, and yes, she wore
a tight miniskirt and a pair of mirror sunglasses.
I
pushed the window down button.
"Hi,
can I get a lift please?"
Although
I'd have loved to have driven her, company policy stated the first cab in the
line got the next customer. And what goes around comes around, and I wouldn't
want anyone to steal my fare. And anyway the look of the independent driver
staring at me with a very serious frown, helped me to say, "Sorry ma'am,
you'll have to go to the front of the line." I shrugged my shoulders,
"It's the rules."
"Hey,
Gary," she said, removing her sunglasses. She crossed her arms and leaned
on the small part of the window still visible, "Do you have any idea what
the date is?"
I
just stared at her not quite sure what action to take.
"You
don't remember me, do you?" She leaned in closer, "Imagine me with
long black hair, a nose ring and chubby."
I
tried as she stepped back. I could barely see her in the fading light, and the
street lights didn't help very much, not at this early hour. But when I did
imagine like she requested, I saw a girl I shouldn't be seeing.
"Rachael?"
I whispered. My voice was far too soft for anyone to have heard, especially over
the pounding of my heart.
"That's
right, Gary. Move to the front of the class." She came close to the window
again.
"But,
you're…" I stammered.
"Come
on stoner, you can say it."
"Dead."
The word just kind of popped out of my mouth as if it had a life of it's own.
Rachael
smiled. "On the nose," she said.
I
freaked at that point. I pushed the gear stick into drive and slammed my foot on
the gas pedal. How I missed the independent cab and the guy on the motorcycle,
who flicked me the finger, I will never know. But I pulled out into the flow of
traffic and just kept driving. I drove in circles, staying away from the city
center. My boss called me a few times on the radio. I guess he gave up when I
wouldn't answer. There was no way I was going to pick up a passenger tonight.
Uh-uh. No way.
"What's
the matter Gary?" Rachael asked.
I
looked in the rear mirror, all I saw were the city lights and blackness.
"I'm
still here, baby."
Her
arm reached forward and caressed my shoulder. That I could see and feel, yet the
mirror showed no one there.
Turning
in my seat I saw an old lady, the one from my dream. She wore a rain sodden
raincoat. Her gray hair was stringy and hung limp, like a mop at her sides,
there was no smile now. She still had a young Rachael's hand though and it still
caressed my shoulder.
The
old lady spoke, her voice was croaky yet sounded fill of life. "Take me to
173rd street. And do it now."
I
wasn't going to argue.
A
drizzle started from nowhere as I turned onto 173rd street. Most of
the lights on this street were broken, the glass smashed. Maybe Lucy was right,
hoods did hang here at night and most likely they had guns and took pot shots at
the lights. It was weird, during the day this street was alive, and people
bustling here and there, cars double parked in front of the bakery or the fish
and chips shop. It now looked like a ghost street. Shit, wish I hadn't thought
that!
Halfway
down the street, the air didn't look right. It swayed back and forth like a wave
was stuck in it and trying to get out. I stopped the car.
"Continue,"
croaked the old lady.
"I
don't wanna go in there."
"You
have no choice, boy." Her voice rose.
"There's
always a choice." I countered.
The
Rachael hand changed into a green rotting stump, blackening bones showed through
rotted flesh. My foot remained on the brake.
"Trust
me, boy. What's in there is nothing compared to what I can let you see walking
through these streets on Friday night."
My
foot eased off the brake a little.
"Stories
are always based on a factual happening." The old Lady removed the Rachael
hand, much to my relief. "Do you wish to see?"
No
I certainly did not.
"Ie
ni keretai." The old lady whispered. I had no idea what she had just said
but I had the taxi headed toward that large wavy pocket of air.
"Good," she whispered, "I want to go home."
The
taxi's head-lights couldn't penetrate the blackness of the wave rearing towards
me and the old lady.
"The
day of reckoning. Your special day, Gary."
As
the cab was engulfed by the black wave, I heard the old lady add, "You
truly don't remember today's date, do you? You blocked it very well."
The
memory trying to push free of me earlier was now helped along by the wave. I saw
myself twelve years ago. God, how old was I? Seventeen? I watched a young me,
rolling a joint with my best friend, Terry and his girl, Rachael.
The
three of us were tight in those days. The three musketeers, you could say,
except without the forth. Nothing got between us. No lover's spats or anything.
Terry and Rachael were the perfect couple, they were together up until about
three years ago.
"What
happened six years ago, Gary?"
I
hardly noticed her croaky voice.
"The
three of us back then were stoners. We loved the high, the hit and never wanted
to come down. Then we got onto some heavier shit. Six years ago?" I had to
think about that, memory lane was a pleasant place to be. Twelve years ago
everything was different. There was no bullshit or crap to put up with. Hell, we
only paid the rent if we felt like it.
"What
happened six years ago, Gary?" The old lady repeated.
My
answer came fast, "I got married." After a moment of thought,
"And decided to get my act together. Clean myself up and get a job."
"Lucy
didn't like that, did she? She was more into the drugs than you thought
possible."
All
I could do was nod. I felt hot tears roll down my face. When we split up that
was the loneliest time of my life. I had no idea how hard it was to be without
your friends, fighting everyday not to take a hit.
Six
months passed, and I was feeling good. The only vice I had left was cigarette
smoking and I figured if I could stop using crack cold turkey, I sure as hell
could stop smoking. Then I got a phone call.
The
voice was urgent, "Gary, Lucy's been taken to hospital. She's fucked up
man."
I
recognized the voice immediately, "Terry, slow down. I can't catch a thing
you're saying. Take a deep breath and say it all over again." I didn't need
Terry to repeat it, there's nothing wrong with my hearing, and you can talk as
fast as a bullet and I'll still catch each word. I needed to hear it again, to
be sure I'd heard right. And I had.
The
judge was nice to her in court. Twelve month suspended sentence and three months
in a rehab, with all the support she will need. I told her I'd be waiting for
her when she came out.
The
three months passed quickly. I worked hard, saved hard and thought only about
her returning. When I met her at the gates of the rehab clinic, she was beefed
up, a tad on the heavy side, and she looked much better and healthier then when
we got married. She had a special glow, something I had never seen before.
I
on the other hand, did not smoke, had a steady job and a mortgage. Sure, it
wasn't much, only an old welfare house but it had a large lawn and the area
wasn't so bad. All I needed was this beautiful woman to join me in the house.
And she did.
Everything
was going beautifully. The both of us hadn't heard a word from Terry, well as
far as I knew back then. I kept a close eye on Lucy, hoping she wouldn't fall
back into that death spiraling pattern. Thank god she didn't. Instead she got
pregnant.
I
hadn't noticed the change in her attitude. She lost weight, started to eat a lot
of junk food and her face broke out in pimples. I had blinded myself to the
signs. Marijuana was back in her life. Nowhere nearly as bad as crack. I was not
going to let her out of my site with our child growing inside.
The
old lady broke into my thoughts. "When did she tell you?"
I
tried to block her out but she repeated the question, over and over. Her croaky
voice growing on my nerves, making my arms tingle. My hands balled into fists.
Her voice went on. A vile grating sound.
I
spun around in my seat. She laughed at me. I drove my fist into her face, the
hardest punch I've ever thrown. It hardly phased her.
"When
did she tell you?"
"You
know when!" I screamed at the top of my voice, "You know damn well it
was Friday the 12th "
"What
month?"
"This
month." My voice calmed. I remembered it all perfectly now. I didn't want
to. The pain of a breaking heart is a very real pain. My heart felt like it had
shrunk in on itself and the two halves had pulled apart.
I
did not show my hurt, my anger at her or my fear of losing her. Everything I had
done, was for her or more truthfully - us.
All
the obstacles which seemed unbeatable at the time, were conquered. I beat them
all. I thrashed them into little molehills and stepped on them. Crushing them
out of existence. After all that, I finally thought I'd live an ordinary life
with an ordinary family and join the others in the rat race. I thought it was
all going to happen. My goals would finally be realized. My dreams a reality.
Then
Lucy had to go and say, "Gary. There's no easy way for me to say
this."
"Just
spit it out," I said, eating my Marmite toast.
It
took her a long time to say it. It came completely out of the blue, took me by
surprise. She said, "Gary, Terry and I slept together."
I
continued to eat my toast and asked, "When?"
"Does
it really matter?"
"Is…"
I couldn't find the words to say it, so I pointed to her swelled 8 month
pregnant stomach.
She
was silent a moment, then: "No."
I
stood up, went to the sofa, retrieved my jacket and Donald Duck printed tie. The
only tie I have ever owned. I was an insurance salesman at that time. Basically
I ran my own time schedule. If I didn't pop into the office, it didn't matter.
"Where
are you going?" Tears ran a river down Lucy's face.
I
couldn't look at her. Everything I had worked and sweated for was crumbling
before my eyes.
"Gary?"
"One
of us needs to make some money around here."
"Gary
please, we need to talk."
"Will
you shut your goddamn trap, for once, will you just shut the hell up!" I
picked up the closest thing to me. It was an ashtray filled with loose change.
Fives and tens mainly. I hurled it full strength at her. Never in my life did I
expect it to hit her. It slammed into her head, which flicked back from the
force. I saw the skin split wide and the gush of blood scared me but I was blind
with rage at the time.
"Do
you blame me for doing that, old lady?" I asked, looking her square in the
eyes. There was no reaction from her. As still as a statue, I thought and said,
"I need to answer that question myself, right?" Nothing. The old bag
only stared at me. After a moment I said, "I think I had every right to do
that."
What
I didn't have a right to do was to visit Terry.
I
pulled up at the side of the road in my Toyota, blocking the driveway to his
apartment. I knew he'd be home I just didn't know what kind of state he would be
in.
Off-his-face
was the state in which he opened the door, "Oh shit." he mumbled,
"Man, just let me explain what happened. Okay?"
"Explain
in Hell," I pushed forward, shoving him against the hallway wall. My fist
drove deep into his stomach. He doubled over, and I brought my knee up to greet
his face. The shattering of his nose was clearly audible. The blood clearly
visible, yet he didn't utter a sound. His breathing was heavy and raspy and I
knew he wasn't unconscious.
I
threw him to the couch. A small steel bowl bounced off. Inside the bowl I
noticed things I used to use. The syringe, the thin leather tube to tie around
your arm, the teaspoon and the most important instrument of all, the candle.
"I
can't believe you didn't grow up, man," I said more disgusted than angry.
"Look at this crap dude. Hell, you ain't seventeen anymore. Look at the
life you're thrown away." It felt like I was talking to a pillow.
There
was nothing I could do to this old friend that could possible make his life
worse than it already was.
Then
Terry made a mistake. He said, "I enjoyed fucking your wife. Nice
taste."
I
remained calm as I heated the white power in the tea spoon. Slowly moving it
back and forth over the candle's flame. A few minutes passed, and I wasn't sure
if it looked ready. It'd been a couple of years since I last performed this act.
It didn't matter anyway. Terry's life ended here - today.
With
the rubber tube fastened tightly on my old friend's arm, I patted his upper
forearm looking for a vein. His arms were severely bruised. I filled the syringe
with the liquid of death and just for good measure I added some air.
I
was surprised to find myself able to do this. It was easy. Gently insert the
needle, squeeze the plunger and watch the vein expand as the liquid poured in.
Terry
grunted. He tried to sit up and I had to force him down. The needle in his arm
snapped in two. During the struggle I felt the broken needle pierce my thumb.
Two quick punches to his face took care of the fight. I untied the rubbed tube,
I watched him die. He twitched a lot before he finally laid still. The scream
followed next. Rachael standing behind me, her body shaking, her druggie eyes
trying to comprehend the scene she faced.
I
jumped to my feet, grabbed her by the hair and slammed her into the wall. I
twisted her hair into a ball in my hand. Forcing her to look up at me.
"You
know what that asshole did?"
She
laughed, spitting blood.
"Do
you know?" I shouted.
She
laughed again but there was no smile with it. "'Course I know, dickhead.
Think I'm fucking blind? You think you're gonna fuck me too? Huh! Then go ahead
lover boy, ram your rod into me. See if I care. Then you'll get what he
got." She heckled like a crazy woman. Or just like a druggie.
I
looked at my bleeding thumb.
"Maybe
you already got it," she laughed. "Come on big boy," In a whisper
she said, "Give it to me."
And
I did. I drove the broken syringe into her eye, felt it pop. I had to cover her
mouth with my syringe holding hand. She struggled like a wild beast. Thrashing
crazily about. I drove my knee into the small of her back pushing her face first
to the floor. I banged her head into the carpet a few times until she finally
stopped. Then I jumped on her neck to end it.
I
washed my hands in their bathroom. I couldn't stop the shaking. I could barely
control the water flow or hold the towel. Somehow I managed to make it back to
my place. Lucy was lying in bed with a damp towel covering the gash from the
ashtray. I told her I was truly sorry and that if she'd let me, I'd like to
raise the child as ours. Then we talked. We talked through the night and into
the next day. A few weeks later she gave birth to a baby girl, the cutest thing
I had ever seen in my life.
I
devoted most of my time to little Katie, that my sales suffered and I lost my
job to a young go-getter fresh out of college.
"And
here I am, you old lady. Happy?"
She
smiled. At last some reactions. I'm surprised to be relieved by this.
"Can
I go home now?"
I
heard my name called from outside, in a voice all to familiar: Terry. He
approached the cab suspiciously at first. Trying to get a good look in the
windscreen he wiped the outside. He saw me and shouted something unintelligible,
as if he was calling to others.
His
fist slammed the windscreen, producing a long spidery crack. I pushed the gear
stick into reverse and slammed the gas pedal. The taxi didn't reverse. I could
hear the tires spinning, felt the taxi sliding in an arch and let it continue on
its way. Until it almost faced in the opposite direction.
Rachael
had joined Terry. Both of them pounded the car. The old lady in the back
laughed.
"I
wanna go home!" I screamed at her.
Her
laugh increased in volume.
"I
just want to go home!" I forced the gear into drive, heard the gearbox
scream in protest to such a violent act and then skid forward.
Terry
had produced a baseball bat from somewhere and smashed the rear window. He
worked his way around to the driver's side.
I
watched him pull the bat back and drive it home. The taxi gripped something and
shot forward as the bat slammed into the side of my head. I was almost
unconscious as I saw the taxi going through the wave.
The
last thing I heard was the old lady's croaky voice: "You know what's
waiting for you when it's your time. Be good to that little girl."
The
taxi shot through the wave and head first into an oncoming truck.
I
heard the accident was awesome. The taxi was a crumpled piece of metal in a torn
heap. The firefighters came with the 'Jaws of Life' to cut me free. It took a
full twenty minutes for them to realize someone else had to be driving the car.
I took full responsibility knowing the taxi company's insurance would cover all
damages. Including my own.
I
awoke in a very white room, laying on a firm yet comfortable mattress. The first
person I saw was Lucy. She must have noticed my eyes open and she jumped to the
side of the bed.
"Hi
there," I managed.
"Hi
there," she repeated. "Do you remember what happened?"
I
shook my head slowly. I could feel my brain pounding against my skull.
"There's
someone here dying to see you." Lucy stepped aside and I saw Katie asleep
on a little cot.
Seeing little Katie set a fire in my heart, a passion I couldn't hold down. I made a promise then and there to make this family right. To make everything work. And if I had to start from scratch with Lucy and Katie, then I will. There was no denying it, this was my family and they were my home.
The End
© Richard Lee. All rights reserved.