I nod, cranking the engine.
Once I've backed out of the driveway, I hold my hand over, hoping she'll take it.
I also hold my breath.
Until our skin meets.
Then I fucking beam.
I stare straight ahead, but she sees, and her cheeks flush.
The ride to the restaurant is still quiet, but it's that calm quiet. The kind where you sit and reflect on how lucky you are.
I've been looking at this the wrong way.
I'm the luckiest motherfucker on the planet.
My girl lived.
She's not the same.
But where would I be if she hadn't?
More date to come.