Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Out of Control

I'm driving and the snow begins to softly fall. My hands which usually are casually confidently relaxed find their positions at 10 and 2 and I sit up more straight in my seat.

I take a deep breath and try to relax, but the curve coming up in the road is a bit too sharp with a mountain to my left and a guard rail to my right and a sheer drop cliff on the other side of the guard rail.

I try to gently slow, and then it happens.

The tires start to slide, and I'm in a slow motion twister. I see the mountain side slide by first, and then the guard rail, and I can't remember what I learned about which way to steer the tires, into the skid but which way is that? The snow is still gently falling, mocking my panic in its calm beauty and I lift my hands entirely off the steering wheel. A tear slides down my cheek and I brace myself for the impact giving up any pretense of being in control...

and then I'm awake, safe in my bed, wondering what the symbolism might be, trying to calm my breathing and heart rate.

5 comments:

  1. Eek! No mountain driving for you for awhile! Sheesh, pesky scary dreams.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a nightmare I've had before, but this time possibly triggered by the rain the past few days, since I did experience a tiny hydroplane both of the last two nights...

      Delete
    2. Time for some new tires?
      I'm sad I missed the rain the last two nights. It must have started after I'd already gone to bed.

      Delete
    3. My tires are relatively new, but the first inch or so of rain picks up any oil on the road...and the construction on 101 with those cement dividers makes things interesting...also it being past 10 pm adds its own element of raw nerves. I put on my hazards and slowed to between 35 and 45 mph and let the people pass me. :-P

      Delete
    4. Smart. Yeah, that stretch with the construction can be harrowing at the best of times. Late at night after it has just started raining... yep, hazards and taking it slow is the best way to go.

      Delete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.