Page 139 of Haze of Obedience

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Dirk

We wakeup early the next morning and get ready for our day. I dangle the keys, "Ready to drive?"

Zoe cringes. "Do you think I'm capable of not crashing into something?"

"Of course," I say and open the door to the driver's seat.

"Okay. Just remember I asked ahead of time if I run into any trees."

And there's plenty she can run into.

She looks so nervous.

I peck her. "It's easy. Trust me."

She slides in, and I get into the passenger's side.

"Put your belt on," she instructs me.

"It's only the backwoods."

She points. "Do you see all these trees?"

Good point.

"All right, my Little Diva. If it will make you happy."

She adjusts the seat, we buckle up, and she starts the engine. I give her instructions, and when the car moves, she giddily shrieks.

"You're doing good. Now press your foot to go a little faster."

"I'm going..." She looks at the speedometer.

"Not very fast."

"It's not a racetrack."

"Yeah, but my grandma could run faster in her eighties."

"Ha!" She presses her foot down, and the van flies. "Oh, crap!" She slams on the brakes, and we both fly forward.

"Told you to use your seatbelt!" she cries out.

"Glad you know where the brake is located. Want to try this again?"

"I think I'm done. I prefer you to drive."

"Nope. Try again."

We spend about five more minutes driving around until I say, "Want to admit I was right?"

"About what?"

"It's not hard, is it?"

"Hmm." She parks the van. "I'm done now. Thank you for teaching me. You may resume your position."

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