Board Thread:Writer's Workshop/@comment-36815674-20180919161410/@comment-36393004-20180920205557

I work interminable hours in a restaurant and sometimes didn't get out until rather late. Wednesday night the place was packed with party goers and by the time my shift was over I was burned out. I had never wanted to be in the comfort of my bed more than I did that night.

As I was making my way to my car, I noticed a vehicle on the side of the road with the high beams on. The lights seemed to be aimed directly at my car. I have always been the type to be aware of my surroundings at all times, but this had me feeling a bit paranoid.

As I drove passed the car, I could see a figure in the front seat. I wasn't able to makeout any of the features, but the silhuoette of the body. I tried to shake off the tense feeling I had running through me. I was just ready to get into my pajamas and into bed.

The path home was a private road that was as winding as it was long and could be dangerous if you were not careful. As I looked into my rear view mirror, I could see the car from work as I made each bend a mile and half back. As I neared my driveway, I looked up to notice that I could no longer see the headlights of the car.

I instantly feared the worst, that they had lost control of their car around one of the curves. This stretch of road was hard enough to traverse during the day but a real hazard this late at night. I felt that it was my duty to make sure they were all right, so I headed back down the road.

In the distance I could see what looked like a mangled vehicle wrapped around a tree. Every thought I had in my head was gone as my heart started to race. I frantically started looking for the driver. I found the man lying faced down in a culvert. I pulled him from the water as I was putting him on his back to check for a pulse. I suddenly realized just how much he resembled me and the fact he was driving the same model of car as mine.

I left behind a wife and two kids that night. I should have never driven while so tired. I'm sure I'll see them on the other side.