Tears from the Darkness.

Sleepily purring in the background the engine acknowledged no master. Intravenously fed, undemanding, contented. Impervious to the beating rain attacking the soft-top. Midnight pools reflected weak beams of stuttering neon. Swirling streams raced over the leather, jostling down the chassis, unrestrained over the windshield.

Slowly the finger traced the webbing. Stopping at each laced knot. Unlocking journeys past. Gradually absorbing his presence from the darkened imprints on the leather. Finally reaching out, curling her hands in his shadow. Drawing close, inhaling softly the distinctive musk.

Closing her eyes, whispering "Let me go", as she gripped the steering wheel at ten to two.

Tearstained cheeks, momentarily frozen, caught in white photographic stillness, flushed to their dashboard glow as headlight beams swept into the night. Illuminating fragments of a stolen dream.

Climate control floated warm enveloping breath, magnifying the hints of cologne and wet wool. A tangible presence enfolding, captivating, directing her senses.

Behind the walnut fascia the CD revolved. Sweet rifts filling the empty spaces, pulsating off her skin. Words that meant everything ripped out loneliness and erased the present. Ghosts of what could have been, caressing and cajoling. "Don't leave me".

Brushing the gas pedal, a butterfly’s touch, the patent sole hesitated to wake the slumbering beast. A faint shudder registered engagement of the drive shaft as the slim wrist flicked the shift. Hovering above, the shoe tentatively contacted the rubber again. Slipping across the surface, seeking to be guided into the correct position.

Finding. Pressing.

Releasing the sleeping tiger to throatily purr into the night. 20, 30, 40 m.p.h.

Then roar in final triumph. 60, 80, 100 m.p.h.

She never cried out "Wait for me." Or acknowledged his presence beckoning at the juncture of light, as the motor leapt into the infinite darkness.

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Midnight pools reflected weak beams of strobe neon. Swirling streams raced over the metallic roof, jostling down the black and white chassis, unrestrained over the windshield. Radio static and the eerie siren's wail smattered through the rain.

Carrion feeding on the crumpled wreck.

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Written: October 1998