He squeezed into the passenger seat, his khaki pants and clipboard signaling business. As I turned to greet him, my fingers gripped the steering wheel while I tried my best to smile. He didn't smile back.
"Hi," I said, loosening my grip and awaiting instructions.
"Hello, please head out of the driveway and turn right."
"Okay." Here goes. I turned the maroon van away from the curb and headed into unfamiliar territory. My stomach clenched. I need to relax and stay calm.
I activated my blinker and headed right, my eyes laser-focused on the road ahead. Remember your blinker, remember to fully stop.
I pulled up to the stop sign. "Take a right, please," he said.
I panicked.
A raised median appeared on both sides. What do I do?
I turned on my blinker and drove wide right toward the other side of the median. As I started to cross into the wrong lane, I think he said, "This is the wrong way." I slammed on the brakes. Thankfully, no one was in front or behind me. I froze, unsure what to do next. He tapped his clipboard in silence.
Meanwhile, I was freaking out. My stomach twisted. My cheeks burned, and my fingers gripped the wheel with urgency.
I reversed my mom's maroon beat-up van and returned to the correct lane. Tears pricked my eyes. My inner judge berated me—Do not cry, pull it together! What's wrong with you? All you had to do was turn right. You're going to fail now.
My shoulders remained tensed as he instructed me to head back to where we started. I couldn't wait to escape the driver's seat. I pulled up to the curb. He began talking, yet all I heard were fragments: "...and then you'll have to take the test again."
He stepped out of the van and my mom slid into the seat. The tears finally came. All I remember was my mom hugging me and driving us home.
I did not want to take the test again. Driving is no fun.
Gratefully, I eventually got back out there and now love to drive.
Writing Prompt from Old Friend from Far Away by Natalie Goldberg: Let’s talk about driving. How did you learn? What kind of driver are you? Be specific: tell me about a route you drive regularly, give the turns, the scenery, and stoplights. When was driving fun? We are looking here for things we take for granted, that go noticed. We are trying to wake up to ourselves.
You’re invited!
Join us for our community writing session every Monday at 11 am EST! We'll gather in silent solidarity to work on our creative projects, starting with a writing prompt to warm up.
You're welcome here if you seek accountability partners, fellow writers, or a supportive community space. After the prompt, use this focused time to advance your project in any way you like.
Be part of our creative community! Click the button below to join our Zoom room.
Local friends— we’re meeting in person next Wednesday (3/26) at Freedom of Espresso to move and write at 9:30 a.m. There are spots open. Put down your phone and pick up a pen. :)
Click the button below for details and to register.
We will meet to move in Fayetteville, NY, at 7:30 a.m. on Friday (3/21) at the Canal Landing Park entrance of the Empire State Trail. There is no fee. If you will be joining us, send me a message.
Let’s keep moving and writing together! #movewriteconnect
Share this post