The squealing tires. The screech of breaks. The silence. No crash.

Memories of the same sound from two weeks ago flashed before my eyes. Same scenario, different end. The clock on the bedside read 4:55 am.Then, the squealing tires were accompanied by the unmistakable sound of metal on metal. As Husband dashed to the window, I flew down the stairs, dialing 9-1-1 before I even saw what happened.

Me: There's been an accident, it woke us up.
9-1-1 operator: Where are you.
Me: xx some street, our town (running outside)
9-1-1 operator: How many cars?
Me: I don't know, I don't see anything.
Me: It looks like one - it's near my neighbors house.
9-1-1 operator: Hold on I'll transfer you to the State Police.

Pause - shit, I need to go put pants on.

State Police: Hello?
Me: There's been an accident in front of my neighbors house.
S.P: How many cars.
Me: Looks like one.
S.P: Is anybody hurt?
Me: I don't know, I'm putting pants on.
S.P: Is anybody hurt?
Me: I don't think so.
S.P: how many people?
Me: One and he's walking away.
S.P: He's walking away?
Me: Yes.
S.P: What away?
Me: Towards xyz.
S.P: What's he wearing.
Me: A black shirt and tan short.
S.P: Is he intoxicated?
Me: I don't know.
S.P: Is he intoxicated?
Me: Yeah, I think so.

The guy lost control coming around the corner, came across my neighbors lawn, narrowly missing their SUV. It took out their metal garbage can and pushed it into the driveway next door. The car hit a stone wall and bounced off. The driver, got out and said to neighbors "you think the cops will notice?" Neighbors replied, "um yeah, they on their way already". The guy then just walked off saying "I don't care, they'll find me". Two neighbors followed them, one returned a few minutes later with a 1/2 bottle of booze in his hand the guy tried to ditch. The other followed him and signaled to police where he went. The vehicle, was unscathed except for a broken tail light.


Last night...

The bedside clock read 3:21 am. We were out of bed before the squealing stopped, Husband at the window, me running for the window in the girls room. I saw nothing. He was the car swerving down the road, out of control. It stopped in front of our home. It stayed on the road. Stopping short of our giant oak tree.

Meenie: Mom what are you doing in here.
Me: Just looking out your window, go back to sleep honey.
Meenie: DO the neighbors ever turn off their lights? It bothers me (I wonder if this is the cause of her insomnia and crankiness during the day).
Moe: I heard the car. Did it crash again?
Me: I don't think so. Go back to sleep.

After that, I crawled back into bed. But my stomach was clenched and my heart was pounding. Sleep eluded me as I imagined the car hitting the oak tree. The oak tree that stands 10 feet from my daughters bedroom. 12 feet from her window where her bed lies. So close.

I'm thinking our art project this week should involved large pieces of plywood and reflective paint. We can stencil the words "Slow Down Assholes" and nail them to our tree. Maybe we'll pick up some cement and install some speed bumps as well.