It was raining. Larry had a firm grip of the wheel. He squinted as headlights from oncoming traffic bounced off the wet road and into his steely blue eyes. The temperature inside the car rose and the windshield began to fog.
I cracked my window to let in the crisp October air. Puddles parted as we sped over them, the water kicking up and turning in the tire wells. Leaves in vibrant colors lined the streets and the thick, full trees danced and undressed further at the wind’s request. I was bunkered down, sitting low in the bucket seat of Larry’s sports car. Legs crossed, hands tucked in prayer position between my thighs to keep them warm. I sat motionless, gazing out the window, watching as the blue sky faded to black. I drew in a deep breath.
At each intersection I looked for drivers that I thought were similar to me- a young woman, a grad student perhaps, a sister, a daughter, someone who looked in some way familiar. When I found one I tried to imagine what was going on in her life. What was she thinking about? What was her plan? Where was she going?
Larry broke the silence. “Let’s get married,” he spoke softly.
My heart warmed and a tiny smile sprouted deep within me. I buried it. I bit my bottom lip to keep from speaking prematurely as I didn’t have the words to tell him that marriage was not the only solution, there were others.
