Parable Road 22 (Storms)

Snow and wind rage against the windshield.

I grip the steering wheel as I struggle to see the highway before me.

I’m going as slow as I can without stopping but even at this speed, I can feel the wheels spinning as the truck slides back and forth.

How am I going to get out of this?

One moment at a time. That’s all I can deal with.

A sigh of relief flows through my chapped lips as the truck stops sliding.

We’re still on the highway…for the moment anyway.

The storm came up quickly just like that doctor had warned me it would.

Wow. I’ve never seen it so bad out there and I’ve seen a lot. I can’t even see the evergreens at the side of the road.

A vision of my wife fills my mind. What would she think if she could see me now?

Another blast of wind rocks the truck cab.

I shiver.

What am I supposed to do?

It’s too risky to carry on in this kind of weather.

My hands turn the steering wheel, guiding the truck toward the edge of the road.

As we reach it, I shift down and thank God we’ve reached safety.

“What’s going on?” Jason asks as he pokes his head through the curtain separating the cab from the bunk area.

“It’s too bad out there to carry on. So, we’ll have to park here and wait out the storm.”

Jason glanced at the haze just beyond the windshield. “That sure blew up quickly, didn’t it?”

“Yeah, that’s the thing about life. You never never know when the storms will blow in.”

Jason smiles. “You just have to be prepared for when they do.”

“Ah, you’re learning. I’m proud of you.”

“I’ll have to say, Ben, driving with you over this past while has really given me a lot to think about.”

“That’s why I’m here,” I say with a weary chuckle.

“Alright. I can see you’re tired. So, let’s trade places. It’s pretty much time for me to take my shift anyway.”

“Good idea. Hopefully, it clears up out there soon.”

“If it does, I’ll head out but not a moment before.”

“Have fun.”

“Oh, I will. There’s nothing better than an Ontario blizzard.”

“Good night.” I pause as I look at the bunk waiting for my weary body.

Jason is right. It has been a long haul. I can feel every minute of it in my aching body.

As I settle into the bed, I hear Jason settling into the driver’s seat.

I pull a blanket over me. The familiar warmth relaxes me and it doesn’t take long to fall asleep.

The sound of screaming metal jerks me out of my pleasant slumber. Then, my body smashes through the windshield, somersaulting into the winter night.