Page 22 - The Houseguest

expression as the Viper suddenly materialized through her windshield, thrust at high speed until only the impact of the Highlander stopped its progression. I still envision her reaching back as if her petite arm could somehow protect little Katie from the powerful force of the oncoming steel. A repeated scenario plays in my mind where Karina experiences minutes of the agonizing torture that would have accompanied the realization of what had just happened to her baby girl. Selfish as it may seem, I can’t help wondering if she had time to think of me during those last moments, if indeed she had any.
Witnesses said the sound of the impact was like an explosion. First responders confirmed that everyone died on impact, except the driver of the Viper who was transported unconscious to Mt. Sinai Hospital. Death upon impact -- that has never really brought me any comfort, though maybe if I would allow it to, it would. But I keep saying to myself, “How do they know for certain?” How do they know my wife and child, the reason and meaning for my own life, didn’t suffer?” They don’t.
The Houseguest by Linda Ellis www.LindaEllis.life
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