Highway Revenge

Published in Twice Not Shy 100 Short Stories 2021

In his car, belting up the motorway. His car. Buffed retro chrome and beautifully restored interior. But under the bonnet, love doesn’t shine.

His wheels spin in top gear, then reverse. Always my fault. My fault we can’t move forward, he vexes. He would, of course, if I could be less this and more that. Changed my hair. Ambitions. Breakfast cereal.

He pulls over. ‘I’ll be back in a minute.’

Vanishes among scrubby trees to pee. I’m alone, in his precious car-baby.

I climb into the driver’s seat. Ignition on. My heart a flapping fish.

Adjust the seat.

Feel the pedals.

Drive.