You Shouldn't Have Come Here

by Jeneva Rose

Lisa sat in the passenger seat beside me while I drove Joe’s truck on the black twisting road. It was dark outside, the only light coming from the moon and the vehicle’s headlights. I couldn’t tell if the rumbling was coming from the truck or Joe asleep in the back seat, snoring away. She glanced over at me and smiled. Her hair was full of blond ringlets and her eyes were green like emeralds. The evening was perfect until it wasn’t anymore. “Calvin, I’m leaving next week,” she said shakily. “What do you mean?” I tried to keep my eyes on the road, but I kept looking over at her. “My assignment is over.” “I thought you extended it already.” I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. Lisa tilted her head. “I tried. But they don’t need me anymore, so I accepted a temporary nursing position in Alaska. I start next week.” “You didn’t even talk to me about this,” I yelled. She reached out and put her hand on my shoulder. “I’m talking to you right now.” “No, you’re not. You’re just telling me how it’s going to be.” I flicked her hand off and shoved her back. “Calvin,” she nearly cried. “This doesn’t have to be the end for us.” I saw red and pressed down on the gas pedal. The truck sped up from forty to forty-five. “Yes, it does,” I said. “Slow down, Calvin,” Lisa begged. Up ahead an animal prepared to cross the road. The headlights made its eyes glow. Lisa swatted me several times, telling me to slow down. I shoved her again, harder this time. Her head cracked against the pass...