Pity

I drove away from my home, but not too far. I simply needed to escape and be alone. The driving was serene on that old abandoned highway that let directly to my house. The stars looked down with pity on me, but I didn't want it.1

I kept telling myself, "You'll get over her."2

Gunning the engine on my Mustang that she encouraged me to buy, I hit 85 mph. 90. 95.3

Something scampered across the road a few feet in front of me, so I slowed down. 55. I didn't want to total my car: it was my last memory of her. We shared too much in this car.4

There was a traffic light ahead, so I sped up to 60 so I could make it. I had no path of where I was going, I simply was. 5

Before I could react, a car turned a left through the intersection, cutting me off. I only had time to tap the brakes before I slammed into the driver's side door of the car.6

It happened so quickly, I couldn't even tell you what speed I was going during the impact. All I knew was that my Mustang was totaled, and my last memory of her was going to be sold for scraps by the insurance company.7

I unbuckled my seat belt and ran to the other car, screaming, "What the fuck are you doing?" When I reached the car, I saw the license plate. It was her car.8

I tried to open the door, but it was locked. She was always so paranoid. Without thinking, and in a pit of desperation, I picked up a stone, slammed it though her window and unlocked that car. She lay on her seat, covered in blood.9

I cut through her seat belt and pulled her out, carefully, and laid her down, resting her head on my leg. She groaned. "What happened?"10

"What are you doing here? Why didn't you stop?" I nearly yelled, chocking on tears.11

"I was...coming to your house. I wanted...wanted to tell you...want you back...love you..."12

I sighed. The fool, blinded by love, ran a red light. Her love made this happen.13

"I want you back too, my love. You're tired, aren't you?" I said. A tear blazed a trail down my cheek. "I love you, forever. Go to sleep, and I'll be right here when you wake up." I kissed her on the cheek.14

When I laid her head to rest in my chest, her breathing stopped.