"An Accident Waiting to Happen"
By Kaylyn Koutz
I remember that day, my mom had big plans. She was so happy that I was turning five she was taking me to the park. I was really excited because everything changed a few months before- my bigger brother had moved out of the house. It was just me and my mom in the house now.
As we walked to the garage the car was a sparkly white color. Mom unlocked the doors, and got in the driver side. I decided that I should sit in the front because it is my birthday and I’m going to be a big girl soon.
“Honey, you need to get in the back seat now,” Mom said sternly.
“But why? Today please! Just for today! Please!” I whined back.
“No. Now get in the back seat or you will march your behind right back inside.” Mom said with force.
Mom started driving as soon as my seat belt made the ‘click’ noise. I felt the air conditioning kick on, making the new leather smell float around. Mom had brought over pictures and her yellow dice from the old car and hung them in the window. I was captivated as the dice swung back and forth the faster the car went; it was magical.
I saw the reflection of the pictures from the windshield. They reminded me of when I had a dad. I don’t really remember him but I know that other people have fathers who are really important, so I like to believe mine was important to.
“I need to stop for gas, before we get to the park. Ok? When I get out to pay I’m going to lock the doors. I don’t want you to leave this car. Do you understand?” she said.
“Okay,” I replied
I watched mom walk away. I could only see so much because my neck did not stretch far enough to see through the window completely.
My heart stopped when I heard a banging noise, and then I heard glass being broken. I looked at the driver seat and saw a big bulky man trying to get in the driver side. His face was covered by a black ski mask, and he had a black jump suit on.
I didn't know what to do. Mom told me not to leave the car, so instead I tried to hide behind the seat. I prayed he wouldn't see me. Within seconds the car was moving and I heard my mom screaming. I looked out the window and saw her running. She was chasing the car.
“No!” She was screamed as tears escaped her eyes.
That’s when it hit me and I started to cry. ‘Will I ever get to see mom again? What about my brother? Will I live to see the sun? Maybe he is a nice man?’ These thoughts ran through my mind. I was interrupted when the man driving turned around and looked me straight in the eyes. His eyes were a dark blue. They did not look happy but were filled with anger at the sight of me.
I gulped, too paralyzed to move. The car started swerving but the man didn't turn back to the road. I was shaking and crying so hard now. What if his face was mean?
He finally turned back around before saying “I’m not going to hurt you, as long as you are a good girl and listen to me.” His voice was hard.
“Yes s-sir,” I whimpered.
I finally stopped crying and started to control my breathing. We were going over a bridge when we heard the sirens. He mumbled a not so nice word before I felt the car jerk my head back. He pushed harder on the gas pedal and the car's speed increased. I watched the dice. They were no longer graceful and magical. They swooped from side to side looking for an escape. The pictures no longer brought a happy feeling because I was scared. A dad was supposed to protect me and he wasn't there to do so.
“I’m going to need you to hold on,” said the man. I gripped the leather seat as hard as I could, my knuckles turned white.
“What’s your name? How old are you?” he asked.
“I’m Chelsea, and I turned five today,” I mumbled.
“Five, she’s only five; I can’t do this. I have to. It’s the only way to escape,” he said.
‘What was he trying to escape?’ I thought, “Um, sir what are you trying to escape. Maybe the police can help,” I said.
“No, because the police are my problem. Look you see that bridge up there,” he said.
“Yes,” I said with curiosity.
“We are going there for help,” he gulped when he said this.
I thought that maybe that was a good thing if he got help and then I could escape. But I was wrong. When we reached the bridge, he stopped, and waited. I was going to ask what he was waiting for but then I saw it. A massive semi truck headed straight for us.
“No!” I screamed
But it was too late; I felt shards of glass cut through me. My head made a loud banging noise against the window. The car was crumbling. The noise was ear piercing. The last thing I remember seeing was the picture of me and my dad being burned to ash as the car caught fire. And then everything went black.
I remember waking up in a white room, my brother and mom sitting at the bottom of my bed crying. I remember being scared when they said I needed to get surgery done on my leg. I was scared. Know five year old should have to go through such a traumatizing experience.
(c) 2013 Kaylyn Koutz
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