Not Rudolf

The Road

We were having a wonderful time driving down that windy, bumpy road. Dad drove just recklessly enough that it was legal but fun. It was just me, my mom, my older sister Tina, and my Dad, talking and laughing as we went. Tina had finished her story about her soap opera obsessed teacher, and dad was starting with his encounter with the slightly insane old woman from level four at work.
"I really don't know what's wrong with that lady." He admitted. " She needs some help. I run into her passing by the coffee maker, and she decides to lecture me on the new governor in who knows where!" Tina giggled. Dad took a hand off of the wheel and used it to make his usual hand motions. "Now I've met some chatty ladies, but at least they talk about recent, popular gossip! Not this woman. She spills all her personal gossip. Apparently her pet cat's new obsession with golf balls is ALL the rage at home!"
While dad continued, I stared out the window and his story faded from my ears. I looked at the amazing view. My appreciation for the drive increased as trees, bushes, and other green plants passed by. I was so focused on what was out my window that I almost forgot where we were headed. Grandma Caroline's house for Christmas. Yes, it sounds so cheesy and little-kid's story, but it was true. It was true and I was happy. Christmas! I thought. It's really that time of year isn't it. It was.
Finally, when dad's story came to an end, I spotted it. "Guys! Look at that!" I was surprised at the sight and laughed.
"What are you looking at?" Mom asked.
"The deer crossing sign! Someone painted a red nose on it like Rudolph!"
"What the heck?" Tina wrinkled her nose. "Hey, you should pay attention to what it's warning though. Deer. Pay attention, dad." I just laughed and stared at the funny sign.
"Look at that honey!" Dad said to mom. "It's really is that time of year, isn't it?" I let out a tiny chuckle at Dad's perfect word choice.
"That's great honey," mom started, "but don't you think you should be focusing-"

And then we hit the deer.