Good Drugs

You're My Bad Cow Boy

*Listen to the audio before reading*

Peace is sound traveling through tunnels, soft echoes that bring us back to life.

We were stretched out like rubber bands, paradise between our glitching auras, blood diamonds that grew like wild flowers. 

No one ever said peace wouldn't hurt.

I screamed, clinging onto Maya as the tires spun with a burning furry, a loud screech followed as we bumped along the sandy road.

I prayed.
I was so afraid this car would tip over and Danny, and everyone I cared about would be lost.

My eyes caught the traces of fear in Dean's eyes as he gripped the steering wheel, trying to control the momentum and slow us down.

"FUCK FUCK FUCK!" he swore.

I could hear Danny sniffling softly as the stars turned away from the heavens, spiraling in a tornado of fumes and exhaust. 

Suddenly the car jolted to a screeching stop, the impact was so powerful that my chest propelled forward crushing me against the back of the driver's seat.

"BANG!"

Shattering glass
Hissing air, wheezing from the tires
Clicking noises
Bent windshield
Bizarre static
Silence.

"Is everyone... okay?" Len's voice asked shakily.

No one replied as we sat in shock, trying to process the idea that in a matter of seconds our lives could have been over. It didn't feel like we were alive, but somewhere in limbo, between pain, and hallowed stillness.

I moved slowly, checking on Maya and Danny who were holding each other.

"They're fine" I gasped, my body still shaking.

Dean jumped out the car cursing as the engine stuttered and coughed. He slammed the door behind him, I took it he was fine.

I looked around the night softly watching the world with amusement, as the dust settled and we could see all that we had lost. Black tire prints scorched the earth, it's ebony peel printed deep into the land, as the warm air around us hummed with annoyance.

The car was in bad shape, we had a flat tire and the engine of my truck sizzled and hissed as steam slithered under the metal hood.

I was just happy we were alive, after the car had spun violently out of control, I wasn't sure that life had a ledge or that my bones would turn to wings.

Len unbuckled his seat belt, turning to me attentively as he made his way to the backseat.

"You're bleeding" his whispered sympathetically. Len pressed his thumb against my tender temple. His green eyes mellowed into a soft blue, like the bayou his concern formed the land and water. He was being so gentle and I was so scared.

I squeezed him tightly, "it's just a scratch" I promised.

Len nodded checking Danny over, "you okay little hero?" he asked, lifting his shirt.

Danny nodded bravely, his round chin quivered slightly, "I save poo poo" he said proudly holding up his turtle.

Maya's eyes brightened, "and I saved them!" she pointed out.

Len laughed, "you guys are superheroes!" he winked.

Soon the tension had dispersed like the smoke that had thickened the sky, and the car was filled with chatter and vivid storytelling.

I took this moment to slip out of the car, and check on Dean.

I stretched my stiff legs looking around at nothing but dessert and empty space.