Backseat Driver

Heading for the bus stop, Daddy and I, along with Frolic and Surplice, would drive the dirt roads. NPR’s All Things Considered served as our background music on sleepy drives, but when we were in more lively spirits, Daddy would put on Surplice’s voice, and shout warnings against all sorts of made-up dangers. Trash can! Daddy would swerve violently, sending me sliding across the backseat, giggling. Squirrel! Daddy would slam on the brakes, though it was already out of the road. With those hazards successfully avoided, I boarded the bus, leaving Daddy and the dogs to navigate their way home.