A Drive

As the door clicked shut behind me all my eyes could see was the minuscule glow from the garage door button, but my heart was calmed as I inhaled the perfect mixture of oil and wood, present in all garages used for projects. I reached up and pushed the button and its glow disappeared as the room was split in two by the morning sun.

Slowly the truck was revealed as if to build the anticipation of my adventure, knobby black tires, bright chrome bumper and the fire truck red of the body. I stood motionless in the comfort of the garage acutely aware of the trial that lay before me. I tightened my fists and felt the well worn key bite my flesh. Looking down I could see the key fob exposing the first few words of a prayer I knew all too well. "God grant me the serenity..."

I had driven before. I had driven this truck before, but not by myself. I approached it with the awe and respect one would approach a trained tiger. My eyes now full of the red body, I wrapped my left hand around chrome and pressed the black button. The door opened with a well worn creak. I had to step up and pull myself in using the steering wheel, sliding onto the woven cloth seats.

The door handle, once rough, now smooth and shiny, felt comfortable beneath my fingers as I closed the door. Centering myself behind the black steering wheel I took a deep breath and years of construction sites filled my nose causing me to close my eyes and revel in the memories.

My eyes flew open, I tossed the key in the air and caught it perfectly positioned to slide it into the ignition. Leaning forward a bit I gripped the steering wheel and pushed the key home. My feet positioned themselves without me thinking about it and I depressed the clutch, put my foot on the brake and turned the key.

The engine roared to life.

My right hand pulled the shiny black knob towards me and pushed it up. I exhaled. I placed my arm on the top of the seat, turned my head to look behind me, and rolled out of the driveway.