the old man kept looking out the side window…driving south on 69…high-beam headlights…glowing blues…split tires off the road….a sun going down…

your brother said tonight I couldn’t take anymore trips by myself….didn’t he?, pop stated…asked….continuing to look away as I drove…

that’s right dad…he said that…

so am I incapable of taking care of myself….is that what yall think?…I’ll do what I damn well feel like doin’, pulling out a small brown bottle…popping tiny tablets…

that pop…that right there…you’re taking nitros like they were in a Pez dispenser…

a what….you’re lucky I’m not behind the wheel…we’d be in Dallas by mornin’…..

pop….we’re just concerned…that’s all…

you two worry ’bout yourselves…you’re all out to get me…

not true pop, I glanced over at him,….not true…

what’s not? what’re you talkin’ bout…Sunday’s the fourth…holiday weekend…everybody’s on the road….

dad….it’s June…

oh….that’s right….