Story Of One Second

My life is about to end. Tires screech as I roll into the intersection. Out my left-side window, I see a tractor trailer barreling toward me at speeds far too fast for this street. Did he miss a stop sign, or did I? I swear, there wasn’t one when I passed. I see his face as we are about to collide. He’s trying to brake, but there’s no way he will stop in time.

I close my eyes, and I see my daughter. She chases me around the backyard with the hose, trying to soak me with it. I yell at her to stop, that I need to be dry for my meeting across town. Why did I yell? She didn’t deserve that. If that’s the last memory she has of me, I failed as a father. Who will take care of her when I am gone? Her mother is gone, too. My parents are aging and aren’t able to care for a six year old.

Prayers leave my lips. I don’t believe in God, but I hope He hears. Don’t let this be the last thing I see. I have a daughter at home. Don’t take me from her, please! I know it’s all in vain. No guardian angel is going to descend and protect me from the impact. God’s hand itself won’t be enough to save me.

Contact is inevitable at this point. I open my eyes, grip the steering wheel, and turn it as hard as I can to the right while flooring the gas pedal. Will it be enough to save me? Probably not, but I have to try.