There was a bump, an almighty thud, I didn’t know how it happened and I didn’t know what it was but I knew it wasn’t right.
I started to move, to move to the wrong side. Oh god. I held on as tight as I could and tried to remember what I should do, I pushed the opposite way as hard as I could.
But it wasn’t moving, I was trying so hard.
Oh god, I’m spinning and spinning. It’s getting faster and I can’t see properly. I can’t tell where I am.
Oh when will it stop!
There is another thud, a smash, a bang, a screech I can’t see. Where are my glasses.
I can smell burning, really strong burning. I don’t think that is good.
I feel the tears on my cheeks, I know my mouth is open but there is no sound coming out. I am still spinning – or at least I think I am.
Another bang, I go forwards the air bag flies out. It smacks me in the face.
Pain, so much pain.
I think I may pass out, in so much pain. I’m not moving, there is something burning.
Something is burning!
Oh god it’s on fire. Get out! Get out!
So much pain, but I need to get out!
Open the door, stumble through.
A man catches me. Pain, pain, pain!
“I need to call home.” It’s all I can manage to say.
“Are you ok?” He asks.
“I really need to call home.” I’m in so much pain.
The phone rings, it rings for ages and ages. “Hello”
“Mum is dad there?” I try to remain calm, so much pain, remain calm, remain calm.
“Hello” It’s Dad it’s ok. Remain calm.
“Dad, I crashed the car, I think I broke my arm!”
Silence!
This is the story of when I wrote of my brand new spanking car, at 23 years old. I hit black ice, and ended up the other side of the road in an oak tree facing the wrong way, I broke my collar-bone but otherwise was ok. My car was not!
This post has been written for Sleep is for the Weak Writing Workshop This week I chose prompt number 2 Write about a time when you felt, or you felt someone you loved, was in real danger.
Apr 14, 2010 @ 21:08:17
Wow-you are very lucky!
Apr 14, 2010 @ 21:16:22
I was I know I was. It was a horrible time though and really thought that I was going to be worse off. But luck was on my side! x
Apr 14, 2010 @ 21:15:20
As a person who has written 2 cars off (neither my fault and one on black ice like you) I totally relate to the total panic. Hubby was not impressed cos the second one was his!
Apr 14, 2010 @ 21:17:42
Oh dear that is not good, I think Mr L may just kill me if I did that to his car!
Apr 14, 2010 @ 21:54:39
Oh my, very lucky indeed, this is one of the reasons I didnt start driving until my 30’s. I would have been pants any younger
Apr 14, 2010 @ 21:55:57
Do you know I was always the one that was an ok driver and then I went and did that! Ha!
Apr 14, 2010 @ 22:56:57
:O Glad you were ok, can’t imagine what must have been going through your head. Fantastically written.
Apr 15, 2010 @ 08:03:51
Thank you, lots was going through my head I remember that much x
Apr 15, 2010 @ 09:27:31
So glad that you’re okay, this was a very well written piece – the confusion and panic really came across.
Fear of something like this happening is why I hate driving on icy / frosty mornings – I’ve had the back of the car fishtail on me, which is scary enough!!
Apr 15, 2010 @ 09:30:51
Thank you, I hate to drive in these conditions now beforehand it never really bothered me.
Apr 15, 2010 @ 18:51:45
Wow – that was probably scary. I hate driving in icy conditions.
A few years ago, I blacked out while driving and ended up in a field on the other side of the road, having crossed oncoming traffic – and amazingly was not hit, did not have real damage on the car, but terrified the hell out of me.
Tests never determined why I blacked out, and when the doctor finally allowed me to drive I was terrified for weeks everytime I took the car.
And like you, I called home, tried to keep calm, and asked for Dad.
Anyways, good writing. Enjoyed your post.
Apr 15, 2010 @ 18:52:56
Oops. I meant that *was very scary, not probably.. lol.. Really should re-read before I post.
Apr 15, 2010 @ 20:13:52
Thank you for reading and yes it was scary, very scary!
Apr 15, 2010 @ 22:03:58
Goodness me that sounds terrifying!! I have an intense fear of driving as I am so scared of this happening.
You expressed that moment of panic and confusion and terror so beautifully. I think my heart stopped for a moment!
Apr 15, 2010 @ 22:32:27
Do you know when I started driving it never entered my head now it is all I think about especially since having Baba. I can’t drive past the tree without feeling physically sick five years on. I knew I had to write about, I remember it in dreams and certain times when I am in the car but have never written it down before as I was scared how I would feel, and I was right. I felt so sick and shaky after I wrote the post. It was a horrible feeling but I am glad that I have done it, in a way I would hate to forget how I felt as I think it is a good protector remembering the feeling.
Thanks for reading though always appreciate it, always amazed when people say I have written something good!