"...stay tuned to hear more on Coal Pine FM..." I flicked the button and the radio fell silent. Trees closed around the car as the path narrowed, but I could see it widening up ahead. It shouldn't be too long before I reached the crossroads. Not a moment too soon either. Night was drawing in and the fog was thickening. It's going to be a difficult drive, but I won't have to drive for long at least. I sighed with relief, nearing a landmark like this after being lost for so long. It was a long trip upstate, but I was looking forward to a new life. Away from the city and all its traps. I couldn't force myself to keep thinking about it. The city was in the past, what happened, happened. One must dwell too much on what one cannot change.
The engine purred happily as I turned off the side road onto the highway. I was way past city limits, so it was fine to use the main road. I shifted into a higher gear in the hopes of making good time, but as I did the fog thickened. I cursed loudly and slowed down. It was like pea soup, so thick I would be mad to speed through it. I resigned myself to drive at a steady pace, leaning back into my seat and leaning against the car door. I knew it was going to be colder upstate and prepared accordingly, such as wearing thicker clothes. A few minutes passed and night fell. The brights flickered to life, but they might as well have been fireflies taped to the hood. I sighed with frustration and turned the radio back on. Country music began to flood the car. It was definitely not my favourite genre of music, but it was better than nothing. I kept a keen eye for any traffic lights. The crossroads were near. I felt the ominous night play with my mind as I drove, but I preferred to shake it off and let the music consume my mind. The radio buzzed loudly so suddenly I got a fright. A static noise grinded for a moment, but I hit the radio a few times and it fell silent. Of all the cars I had to take it had to be the one with the faulty electronics. Whatever, as long as the battery has enough juice to keep the car going I was happy. Still, now that the radio was broken I felt the ominous throb of the night life pierce the fog and make its way to my ears. Frustration flowed through me and I found I was driving faster. Thankfully, the lights flickered in the distance. I figured they were traffic lights, which was perfect for me. It meant I was nearing another town, which I could hopefully use to restock. Perhaps even find a CD or two to play on the disc player. However, the traffic lights didn't seem to get any closer. The radio buzzed again. This time when I turned to hit it I saw a smokey hand drift from the air vents next to it. At least, I'm sure it was a hand. The smoke dissipated so fast I couldn't be sure. The fact that there was smoke leaking in through the vents was enough for me to panic a little. I closed off the car vents and opened my car door window. The smoke filtered out, but I was really worried about the car. Was the engine overheating? There weren't any warning lights, so it couldn't be that, then again, faulty electronics seemed to be the cars strongest suit so far. Once the smoke was gone I began to roll up the window and just as it closed something hit the front window hard. A crack appeared, but I only noticed it once I straightened the car. I was breathing hard as I swerved the car. I don't know what I hit, but it wasn't too big. I stared at the crack in the window and noticed something was stuck in the glass. I cringed in disgust trying to imagine what it was. It was dark and hard, but it definitely wasn't a rock from the look of the blood around it. I slowed down and focused on the road. What was going on? I just needed to reach the crossroads but it wasn't happening. Smoke, projectiles and lights that I couldn't reach. Was I in a nightmare? Hell, it would explain a lot, but I've been around long enough to know I wasn't asleep. As I pondered this the lights drew near. I blinked several times, but didn't question it. The radio began to play music once again. Suddenly, the fog receded and I was here. Streetlights illuminated the crossroads while traffic lights flickered. I leaned against the wheel and rubbed my eyes. My heart was beating like the car engine. I sighed and lingered at the stop longer than the other cars wanted me to. The car behind me honked. The other cars joined in, so I shifted gears and pulled off. Halfway across the intersection the inside of the car flooded with light. A particularly loud horn boomed and I turned to see the eighteen wheeler. Time didn't slow, the truck hit and I ceased. It was sudden, deserved and unexpected on my part. I felt the world shift as the car tumbled, I felt pain in several areas of my torso, but it was the resounding snap and deathly pain in my neck as it twisted that killed me. I stood up and stared down at the car. Blood trickled down my forehead as the country music slowed. Voices, screams and soon my vision faded. I stared down at my body and shook my head. I had tried so hard this time, but once more I had experienced the same fate as before. There was no escape for it seemed, so I decided to leave myself behind and whatever was keeping to the road. I decided that now is the time I make my own way on foot. Not even glancing at the onlookers I chose my direction and walked away.
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