“Five More Hours”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

“Mom, are we there yet?” Tiffany whines from the backseat.

“No,” I snap. I’ve never wished for one of those limousine screens that block the drivers from the passengers more than right now.

Tiffany’s been complaining non-stop about how long the ride has been since we left home. That was three hours ago. Luckily, Lionel’s been asleep, but I know that he’ll be an absolute monster when he wakes up in about an hour. And, unfortunately, we’ve got another five hours to go before we reach the cottage.

I don’t know why I thought it’d be a good idea to take a road trip while Sampson’s on his work trip. I guess, for some strange reason, I thought that the kids would enjoy being away from home while Dad’s away. Maybe I thought that we could have fun and go swimming and fishing and kayaking together.

I guess the reality of being alone with two small children never really sank in until now.

I really wish that Tiffany didn’t get car sick or I would pull out the good old tablet and let her watch movies and play games to her heart’s content. But, of course, she would vomit at even the slightest glimpse of a screen.

At least Lionel is still asleep.

As soon as the thought runs through my mind, his little eyes open and I see his mouth pucker up into the beginnings of a scream. I brace myself for the incoming tantrum.

Soon, Tiffany is screaming along with her little brother, trying not to be outdone. I’m barely able to concentrate on the road.

I’ve had enough. Any longer in this car and I’d probably drive straight into a tree. On purpose.

I pull over and get out of the car, slamming the door behind me. Finally, some silence.

I lean against the side of my car and take a few deep breaths. Only five more hours. Five more hours, and then everything will be okay again.

That is, until the drive home.

Final Comments: I didn’t really have time to get a good feel of the protagonist’s characterization, so I think that’s why the narration was all over the place. Not one of my favourite stories…

Overall Rating: 😓