Parallel

01/25/2022 MGAWG Prompt: Turning point / Pivot point

By kevin e collander ©2022

 

            “Why are they making me do this?” Adrian screamed at her dad, who was sitting next to her. He leaned away defensively.

            “Just calm down.” He said in desperation, never before seeing his sixteen-year-old daughter in such a tirade. “We’ll get through this.” He tried his best to reassure her. At least I think we will, he concluded to himself.

            “Now what?” Adrian pleaded, leaning forward and looking outward for some sign; some reference to get her back on track.

            “Just stop. Now!” He commanded, not wanting to miss the opportunity. “Breathe in deep. Collect your wits.” He looked to the side, assessing the situation. “You’re there,” he proclaimed with a desperately victorious declaration.

            “Where?” Adrian looked angrily at her dad, ready to blame him for all her current miseries.

            “Right here,” he replied, reaching the end of his rope. “Now turn the wheel, full turn to the right,” he barked the order. “You’re at the pivot point. You turn at the pivot point!” He screamed, trying not to scream. “Back up slowly and swing the wheel back to the left when you clear the pylon.” Their Nissan Rogue slid smoothly into the pylon marked parking space with nary a bump or bruise. “There. You did it!” He shouted overbearingly.

            Tears of terror and joy streamed down Adrian’s smooth cheeks as she sniveled and desperately tried to wipe her face with the right cuff of her blouse. Contritely, her dad reached over with a hanky and comforted her. “Now, now. What you did was not easy.” With much difficulty, he leaned over as far as he could with hugs filled with congratulations and condolences.

As he relaxed back in his seat, he looked over at his daughter and confided to himself, Next time I buy a car with Auto-Park.

             

The End

WORD COUNT: (299)

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