Ann and Sam drove through the night from Phoenix to Dallas after deciding to end their relationship, which had become strained with angry arguments and little apologies. They rode in silence, which felt deafening in the dark. By morning, they amicably agreed to go their separate ways. When a neighbor asked Ann about her ride after she arrived, she responded simply: "Very quiet."

1. THE SILENT RIDE
BY DIANE CAMERON
© Eddie Bear Publishing
Driving in the rain watching the oncoming glare of headlights in the other lane was
hypnotizing to Ann. She surmised that 3:00 in the morning had to be the darkest hour of a
day. They had left Phoenix late in the afternoon expecting to be in Dallas by morning.
Reminiscing, she remembered how easily their conversation flowed in the early days of
their relationship. The times when she couldn't tell which was more enjoyable, looking at
Sam or listening to him.
It pained her now that every word they spoke to each other seemed strained and unnatural.
Silence seems more deafening in the dark and Ann wished for signs of daylight to make the
ride more tolerable. It was too much of a reminder of what they had become to each other.
Sam broke another patch of silence.....quot;I sent change of addresses to all of my contacts at
Rudgefields....but if any of my mail comes to your house I hope you won't mind sending it
to me. quot;Not at allquot; said Ann, glad to break the drought...quot;I'll make sure it’s forwarded to
you.
The silence continued...... They were both in agreement that breaking up was best for all
concerned. Too many angry words....heated arguments.......too little offerings of apologies,
a sure fire formula for what they had become....a statistic. Morning debuted a brilliant
sunrise. Ann saw this as a sign that no matter how dark the moments we live in.....daylight
is coming. In her heart, she wished the best for Sam thankful that they had both made the
best decision amicably. Arriving at their destination...Ann collected her things and said
goodbye to Sam. As he drove away she watched the car until it was completely out of her
view....with mixed emotions she turned toward her driveway and walked toward her new
life.
One of the neighbors spotted her as she stood on the porch searching through her bags for
the keys.... quot;Hello Annquot; he yelled, quot;Haven't seen you for a whilequot; quot;I knowquot; she shouted
back, quot;just got in from Phoenixquot; quot;How was your ridequot; he quipped. She thought for a
moment and answered quot;Very quietquot; and shut the door behind her.quot;
Copyright © Eddie Bear Publishing 2003-2009. All rights reserved.
This story may not be reproduced or redistributed without written permission from the author Diane Cameron usaartistobenin@aol.com
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