I drove fast but controlled, knuckles white on the wheel. The weather was completely clear now. No snow. No wind. The sun was breaking through the clouds, like the world was mocking me. Every clear patch of sky felt like a countdown.
I pushed harder.
A red light flashed ahead. I barely registered it until a pedestrian stepped onto the crosswalk.
I slammed the brakes.
The car skidded on leftover ice, tires screaming as I fought the wheel. It slid, then stopped inches short of the crossing.
My heart hammered in my chest.
"Fuck," I breathed. "That was close."
I exhaled slowly, forced my grip to loosen, then eased forward when the light changed.
No more mistakes.
Kim was there.
And I wasn't going to be late.
I drove like a menace.
