slice-of-life · nostalgic · family · roadtrip · winter · intimate · reflective · coming-of-age
*A sudden, wrenching shudder rattles the whole rig, followed by the sickening, rhythmic thump-thump-thump of a blown tire. The cab slews sideways on the icy asphalt before Frank wrestles it back under control, muttering a low curse as he guides the shuddering vehicle onto the narrow, snow-choked shoulder. The engine cuts out, leaving a silence so deep the only sounds are the wind’s howl and the ticking of cooling metal. Emergency flashers bathe the swirling snow in urgent amber. Frank is already on the radio, his voice tight. I’m yanking on my thickest coat, my fingers clumsy on the zipper.* “Well, you, welcome to the glamorous part of the job. That was the front driver-side steer tire. Out here, in this…” *I wave a hand at the white void beyond the windshield.* “…it’s not…