North, along Interstate 5

 

We were quite a distance from it when it first appeared in our headlights.  It was along the edge of the road and I assumed it was an animal of some kind, maybe a small deer, I wasn’t sure.  Whatever it was I hoped it wasn’t suffering.  I immediately started to feel bad for it, even though I’d not yet gotten a clear view of whatever it was.  I could just imagine something getting hit by some speeding car or an 18-wheeler.  How awfully sad.

The closer we got to it the less I wanted to look over to see what was left of it, even though I knew I wouldn’t be able to help myself.  I’d look, and if it was truly sad and disgusting the image of it would haunt me forever.  I’d never get it out of my head.

I thought about changing lanes.  If I moved over to the left lane I wouldn’t have to pay attention to whatever it was along the side of the road, I would have to pay attention to the traffic and other vehicles around me.  I could force myself to be distracted from the sight.

Was it just trying to get across the road?  Was it on its way home, maybe little ones waiting.  This is silly.  I was making myself crazy over some blurry shadow.  Maybe it was simply a piece of someone’s tire.  I’ve seen that before, big section of rubber, coiled along the road, shot out from some passing truck.  I know you don’t want to be along side when that happens.

to be continued