Student Driver

“But this is the middle of nowhere,” complained Morgan.

“That’s why it’s a great place to practice. Now, I want you to pretend this garbage can is the front of a car. Pull along side of it and parallel park.”

“Ugh, this is so stupid. Why do I have to learn this, Uncle Chris? Nobody parallel parks anymore.” Morgan pouted.

“Trust me, the skills you develop when you learn to parallel park will make you a better driver. It’s important.”

“Fine!” she sighed, throwing the car into gear.

The black Toyota slid smoothly into the imaginary parking spot in front of the imaginary car.

“Did I do it?” she asked, peering out the window.

“Great job, almost perfect.” her uncle praised. “Now, let’s do it again!”

“Oh man,” she huffed.

A month after earning her drivers license she learned that her uncle had been killed by a teenage driver who’d lost control of his car. The police chalked it up to inexperience.

Years later Morgan steered her Tesla Model S alongside a parked car.

“Why don’t you just use the self-park feature, mom?” asked Jesse.

“I like to keep my driving skills sharp,” she smiled at him. “It’s important.”

Word Count: 199

[This is my entry into the Flash Fiction Challenge for Flash Fiction for the Purposeful Practitioner by Roger Shipp. Write a story based on a photo prompt and introductory sentence in 200 words or less.

This story was inspired by an actual event, although I was not killed by a teenage driver. I promise. I wouldn’t lie about that. Probably. 🙂 )