Book Of Creepypastas #2

Why I Hate Lightning McQueen

I don't think I can put into words, how good it feels being a Father. I love Daniel more than I could possibly say. His bright, shining smile, his endless curiosity about the world around him, and his gentle, loving nature.

I didn't think I was capable of loving someone else this much, but every time I heard his little laugh, or saw his smile, I knew. Even the smallest things he did made me so incredibly proud. Every achievement he earned was something I wanted to celebrate. Even the interests he had that I didn't like, I tried to at least enjoy his enjoyment of them, if that makes any sense.

Cars were one of those interests. Those Disney movies with Owen Wilson playing Lightning McQueen, a red racecar who unsurprisingly loved racing. I suppose the movies weren't that bad. But ever since he'd been a baby, Daniel had loved watching the first two, and his interest hadn't gone anywhere by the time the third one came around.

I'd been planning to take him on opening night, and I'll admit, even I was a little excited for it. Partially because the trailers showed Lightning McQueen getting into a terrible car accident, and I was hoping that might mean the movie would be a little more interesting, and partially because I wanted a break from job hunting.

I'd been a salesman at a local Chevrolet dealership for the past few years. I'd actually been hoping to work my way up to sales manager, although I suppose those hopes got dashed when half the sales team was laid off, myself included. I didn't mind watching Daniel after school. But I didn't like letting my wife, Theresa be the only breadwinner. She kept assuring me it was fine, that I'd find something, that she was making enough to support us for now... For the time being, life went on, just like it was supposed to.

It was a fairly warm October, that year. Theresa had to be down at the hospital early, so it was up to me to help Daniel get ready, and walk him to school. He liked school, he was a friendly boy, so he seemed to make friends easily, although granted, kids at that age seem to think everyone in their class is their friend.

We left a little early, on the walk over, taking in the beautiful autumn leaves, and early Halloween decorations. We lived in a quaint little suburban neighborhood. The houses were close together, and almost all identical. A one car driveway, and a tree out front of each one. I'd noticed one of the neighbors had hung a scary spiders web in the tree out front of their house, and it got me thinking about what I might do with our tree.

I'd been walking beside Daniel, and lost in thought, which was probably why I didn't notice anything until he pointed it out to me.

"Daddy, look! It's Lightning!"

I was jolted from my thoughts, and looked over to where Daniel was pointing. There was a bright red coupe just down the street, with a familiar design... The grille was a custom job, depicting the wry smile of Lightning McQueen. The windshield even depicted his eyes. The resemblance to the character was almost perfect!

"I wanna see!"

Daniel almost ran across the street to get a better look, I stopped him, even though there weren't any cars coming, just to take a quick look around and be sure, before taking his hand and letting him cross the street with me.

"I wonder who owns him," I said, as we made it to the car. Up close, the detail was no less stunning, and if I'm honest, a little bit creepy. Daniel didn't seem to notice that, though. All he cared about was that it was Lightning, right here in front of him!

"Daddy, can I go inside?" He begged,

"Maybe later. I don't think we can go in right now," I said. The car was parked beside a playground that we frequented, abandoned at that time of day. I figured one of the nearby houses must have owned it, but I wasn't sure who...