Behind the Wheel, Beside the Fear

The road moves silently forward in concert with a stream of rushing traffic. The night air is cool, but my skin is warm and clammy. My grip tightens as the smooth surface of the steering wheel slides under my sweaty hands. The glare of light off the wet pavement throws irregular shadows across my path. I begin to ease my grip, muscles releasing their tension, and settle into a relaxed posture. My breath slows. For a moment, my heartbeat steadies. I become a part of the road and a part of the stream. His abrupt reach and touch engage all muscles of my body, igniting an immediate explosion of tension. My breath stumbles and my heart pounds against my ribcage. I draw toward my midline and retreat against the truck door, struggling to keep the road in view. Everything shifts sideway; the wheel, the road, and my focus.