I zoom down the road,
driving about ten over the limit, like always.
Yet, I have never been pulled over
or been in a crash from going too fast.
Trees fly by,
everything is a blur.
I look down at the center console
to make sure my wallet is there.

The wind whistles
through my window.
I roll up to the thick, white line
waiting for the light to turn green.
I anticipate the change
and jerk forward.
I only have 20 minutes to get gas
and then get to class
so I have to make every moment count.

I turn the wheel hard right
as I go around the corner.
I bob up and down
as my car bumps over the train tracks
Forgetful, for the second time,
I look down at my wallet to make sure
it is there.
When I look back up,
it is too late.

I pull my foot off the gas
and slam it on the brakes.
My car screeches along the cement,
THUD
it rams into the car stopped ahead.