We have an annual trip to visit my in-laws. The trip happens the same time every year. It occurs near the time of my mother in-laws birthday. However, each year we face a different calamity. My wife’s parents live only a few hours by car. However, there is always some type of event that occurs either in the planning, driving, or upon arriving. This time we were planning ahead to avoid any mishaps.

For example, the last few times we made the trip there was some type of accident that occurred. On our very first trip, actually, we got a flat tire. Another trip, we lost our gift. Actually, we think we got robbed as we pulled over at a convenience store to get some coffee. We had left the car on to keep it warm. This last time, I broke my black sport watch. I was pulling our luggage through the door and I had my hand in the door frame for support. She slammed the door and luckily it hit my watch, which shattered.

On my birthday, my wife made up for her actions by buying me a new men’s sport watch. This one is nicer than the first one, looks good, and can take a lick. For this year’s trip we packed our clothes and stored the bags in the car the night before. We also had my mother in-law’s gift sent directly to her home. I had taken our car to the local mechanic for tune up, as well. Furthermore, we became members of a twenty four hour auto service that guarantees timely response.

Clearly, we were well prepared. However, there is always something. We also prepared our coffee in the morning and packed it into cozy travel mugs. Given our experience on the road, we also mapped out a safe and efficient route. Our journey was planned, we were prepared, and we set off with high hopes.

Our route was a two part adventure. The first portion would involve driving through the suburbs to reach the freeway. The freeway would consume most of the driving time. Her parent’s home is about hundred and twenty or so miles from ours.

It took a bit longer than expected to reach the expressway. However, once we were on, the traffic was light. The number of cars on the road was very sparse. There seemed to be mostly weekend travelers either going or coming from some leisure destination. One truck appeared to be on its way to ski slopes as it had skis secured to its roof.

Our speed was within the limit, however, the truck driver seemed to be driving at a much more aggressive speed. He was swerving in and out of lanes without signaling. The truck quickly came behind us and then passed us on the left. It was a blur. After a few moments, however, we noticed a roundish object flying toward our windshield. The closer it came the easier it became to recognize. The object was a giro ski helmet.