It's Time For You To Learn How To Drive
(June 13, 2012)

I am feeling worn out from everything.
It's time for you to learn how to drive.
He whispered to her Sunday morning
While they lounged on their cozy bed.

But honey, you know how I get
When it comes to driving...
Sweaty, shaking hands,
Creepling fear.
I can't get behind the wheel.

I know you've been very tired lately.
I promise I won't ask you
To drive me anywhere for a while.
Now go get some rest.
We have a while yet before it's time to wake up.
She whispered back to him.

Thank you. I could use a little more sleep
He said, slowly closing his eyes.

Half an hour passed.
She looked at her husband
Lying peacefully under the blanket.
She lay there looking at him, smiling,
Warmed by the closeness of him,
On the bed they had shared for over 35 years.

She drifted off for a while.
But then was woken up by a startling scream.
HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!

She quickly opened her eyes
To see what was going on.
Turning to look at her husband
She could see him lying on his stomach,
Head turned to the wall,
His left hand hanging off the bed.

She shook her husband,
Telling him to wake up,
Asking him what was the matter,
But there was no response.

She got up off the bed
And went to stand at his bedside.
His eyes were closed.
His breath on mute.

She touched his hand,
Felt for his pulse,
But felt nothing.

She started to sob.
And through the tears she heard him whisper
It's time for you learn how to drive.

Why after all these years did he tell her this?
Perhaps deep inside
He felt that his end was coming.

© 2012 Lena Kovadlo

From my book A Crimson Tide