Wings Of A Nightingale

     The sun has not risen yet; only its orange glow permeated the rugged distant mountain ranges, as I was passing through Highway 5 going to Bakersfield, California. “It will be another warm day in July.” I said to myself. I started my drive as early as 5:00 A.M. expecting to arrive at my destination before noon.

     I love taking long drives. I was enjoying the scenery while I traversed the paved, seemingly unending highway that sliced the vast flat non-vegetated land turning into green colored field, then again, turning brown and barren. It gave me a sense of freedom.

     I was just leisurely driving, sitting comfortably behind the wheel of my comfortable sedan, not even mindful of the other cars zooming past me. Then, when I checked my rearview mirror, I noticed a restless red car, hastily changing lanes, and closing up on me. I stepped on my gas pedal to accelerate, but like a raging bull, the car kept coming closer and closer. When I checked my speedometer, I realized that I was already travelling over the required maximum speed limit of 75 miles per hour. So, by my calculation, this car was running at 100-120 mph. I got scared…I thought I will be rear-ended, and the impact would throw my car and me to who knows where. “What are you doing? Are you out of your mind? This is not a NASCAR race track, you moron!” My thoughts went into its soliloquy; perhaps to compose myself and focus my mind on the road ahead.

     Just before it hit me, the car changed lane and sped up past me. “Dang! A Corvette!” So, what was the driver doing? Playing a game that might cause a life-threatening outcome? I hoped it slows down.

     Not long after the red car passed by me, another black and white car was on its tail; red, orange, and blue lights blinking. “California Highway Patrol! Got Yah!” I said out loud, and for some reason, my instinct told me that it was that red Corvette that was being chased by the law enforcement officer. True enough, half a mile down the road, both cars pulled over the side of the highway, and as I was passing through, I got a glimpse of the police officer talking to the driver. For sure, he will be cited, pay for a ticket, and will be required to attend traffic school. But, the most important thing was that, a possibility of a fatal accident was averted.

-Mila-

August 20, 2010