Sunday, February 5, 2012

upset

He needed a ride to the local game center. To bowl. Play videos. And to even drive some go-carts. His mom drove.

A woman traveling East was sitting in her car. At the stop light. Laughing. Maybe about something her passenger said. Maybe about a memory. Her head tilted back because she was laughing so jubilantly. Her turquoise hat fell backwards. Off her head. Between her shoulders and the seat. She reached back. Grabbed it. Still laughing.

The light turned green.

His mom continued West.

His friend was already there. Waiting. With his dad. Waiting for him to arrive before they went inside the game center.

Goodbye. See you later. Call me. Or text. Love you. She drove off. Back towards home.

Suddenly, bright lights flashed in front of her.
Siren lights.
She slowed down.
Made way for the emergency vehicle.
But the paramedic looped around.
Now, she could see the red lights.
The brake lights.
Glaring at her.

She slowly pulled forward. Towards the flashing lights. An accident had occurred. A head-on collision.
She drove passed.
Slowly.
Saw the blue hat on the paved ground.
Heard crying.
Are you alright? someone asked.
The woman was no longer laughing happily.
She was unexpectedly scared.
Upset.

(contribution for GBE2 word prompt: UPSET)

39 comments:

  1. Well, I hope this was fiction too, Daphne. :(

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    1. well, i really did see an accident on my way back from dropping off brad... a head on, of two cars, which were then rear-ended by the cars behind them, the accident wasn't there just 10 minutes before...there was a woman crying.. the only thing i added was the laughing woman and the blue hat.

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  2. I would think so. I also hope this is fiction.

    Joyce
    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. something that's seen every day.. not too far-fetched...

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  3. Yikes. That is how 'accidents' happen though. Not paying attention is the cause of many!

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    Replies
    1. yes.my thinking is that anything can happen at anytime.

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  4. is there more to come with this one?

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    Replies
    1. i am sure for the people involved there was more... but not for me, the observer.

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  5. Argh
    your entry made me think about how easily i put a dent in my car last week

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    Replies
    1. so easy, so true. sorry to hear you dented your car.

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  6. Accidents are so upsetting to witness. I've seen one with cars and another with a dog. :( Makes you want to slow down and not be in such a hurry!

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  7. Please stop by my blog and pick up your award! :)

    http://jo-mywanderingmind.blogspot.com

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  8. in an instant - your life can change - so true

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  9. It's crazy how fast life can turn around in an instant. just goes to show you have to be grateful for every day you wake up.

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  10. That is so scary but true. I always say, "we're only a heart beat away." Seeing that blue hat though, really put a personal touch on a sad story.

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  11. Ouch! I can understand the upset part!

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  12. One minute everything is fine and the next, who knows. Wed have far less control over our lives than we like to believe we do.

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    Replies
    1. that i know, elizabeth. one minute fine, the next not so great.

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  13. I had my share of car accident in the past when I tried to reach for my phone.And it was even on a bridge!Really lucky to survive without a scratch..well, a bit, as if I just fell from the tree :D What I learned about is, it happens just a split second. No time to think what to do best. The damage is usually done before we can execute our plan.

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  14. i work in a trauma center..and yes...it happens..and thankful it didn't happen to you! whew..

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    1. a trauma center.. that must be intense... i try to be a very careful driver to avoid these things.. hasn't always worked, i've had a few accidents of my own - nothing severe, but shouldn't have happened.

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  15. Excellent--you put me there--at the scene. Great job!

    Cheers, Jenn
    http://www.wine-n-chat.com

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  16. WOW, that was awesome. I felt like I was right there! Great write!

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com/

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  17. That is horrible. But well written.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  18. Shows how easily a whole day can change - and even someone's whole life - in just one split second.

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    Replies
    1. I live daily understanding that, paula. take nothing for granted.

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  19. Wow, in the blink of an eye how things can change!

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  20. Replies
    1. it is sad, yet we all see these kinds of absences daily.

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