Chapter 4: On the Road Again

A month had passed since Adia's release from the hospital, and life had taken on a more predictable rhythm. Now four months old, Adia was getting stronger every day, and the warmth and vibrancy of her smiles and wide-eyed inquiry filled the house. Jazmine had become comfortable in her new remote job as a veterinary technician, juggling phone calls, emails, and consultations while taking care of her baby. She felt a part of herself vanishing after the accident, but the work gave her a sense of purpose. But even in the midst of progress, shadows of insecurity still lingered.

As Jazmine finished her last assignment for the day, she could hear Adia's gentle coos coming from the playpen nearby. Glancing over, she couldn't help but smile as Adia triumphantly wrapped her small fingers around a brightly colored toy. She felt proud at the sight, but she also experienced a familiar twinge of unease—a reminder of how short life can be.

"Hey, gorgeous," Huey's voice came from the doorway. He leaned against the frame, arms crossed, a small smirk on his face. His eyes sparkled as he looked at her, a look that always made her feel seen, even on days when she felt less than her best.

"Hey," she said, a smile breaking through the exhaustion on her face.

He walked over, planting a soft kiss on her forehead before crouching down to pick up Adia. She squealed in delight, her laughter ringing through the room as Huey lifted her high in the air and then brought her down to kiss her chubby cheeks.

"How was work today?" he asked, settling Adia against his chest.

After shutting off her computer and stretching her arms, Jazmine replied, "It was good." "Very busy, but doable."
He looked at her thoughtfully and nodded. "You realize how amazing you are?"
Jazmine's smile widened, though a hint of her lingering insecurity flashed in her eyes. As usual, Huey noticed it and leaned in to give her a gentle, comforting kiss.

"Why don't we settle in early tonight?" he suggested. "I would like to discuss something that has been on my mind with you."

Jazmine's heart skipped a beat. He had a way of approaching sensitive topics gently, but it always left her wondering what was on his mind. "Sure," she said, trying to mask the flutter of nerves.

They spent the next couple of hours winding down, sharing a quiet dinner and then putting Adia to bed. The baby drifted off easily, her tiny hands curled into fists against her blanket. Huey kissed Adia goodnight, and they slipped out of the room, leaving the door cracked open.

In their bedroom, Jazmine changed into a comfortable tank top and pajama shorts while Huey sat on the edge of the bed, watching her with a thoughtful expression. When she climbed into bed next to him, he reached out and intertwined his fingers with hers.

Huey said softly but firmly, "I've been thinking about how you've been doing." Jaz, you have my complete respect. You're taking care of Adia, managing your job, and I can tell you're getting comfortable. However, I'm concerned that you're getting stuck by staying at home all the time.
Jazmine felt a knot in her stomach. As Huey's comments took hold, she turned her attention aside and concentrated on the blanket's woven design. He was right; except for taking short trips around the block with Adia in her stroller or going to the backyard, she hadn't done much outside the house.

"Stuck?" she repeated, attempting to seem even.

"Yeah," he replied, holding her hand. "I understand the accident took a lot from you, Jaz. It took away your driving confidence and sense of safety. But I know you are stronger than what occurred that night. I think it's time to take a step forward."

Her chest tightened, and she moved uneasily. "What do you mean?"

Huey took a deep breath. I want us to visit a few dealerships tomorrow. It's time to get you a new car. I want you to be able to get out and explore new areas with Adia, and to feel as if you can go anywhere you choose."

The room seemed to shrink around her, the weight of his words pressing down on her chest. Jazmine's heartbeat accelerated as a wave of memories returned, including the sound of tires shrieking, glass breaking, and the shock of anguish that tore through her body. She hadn't driven since that evening, and the mere thought caused her hands to sweat.

"Jaz?" Huey's voice was gentle, but she could hear the concern woven through it.

She forced a small smile, hoping it would disguise the fear clawing at her insides. "I don't know, Huey. It's been a long time since I drove."

"I know," he said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "But we don't have to rush into anything. We'll just go look. No pressure to drive, just to get used to the idea."

Jazmine's heart thudded painfully in her chest. The idea of sitting behind the wheel again, of turning the ignition and hearing the engine roar to life—it terrified her. But Huey's eyes were filled with such hope, such faith in her, that she couldn't bring herself to voice her fear.

"Okay," she whispered, feeling a lump form in her throat. "We can look."

"Jaz?" Huey's voice was gentle, but she could hear the concern woven through it.

He leaned in to give her a loving, comforting kiss as a smile spread across his face. "Thank you. And remember, you don't have to do this alone. I'll be by your side the entire time.

As they slipped into bed, the room was filled with the cozy warmth of the bedside lamp. Jazmine gazed at the ceiling while Huey fell asleep with his arm around her waist. She wished she could share his confidence, but her mind was already racing with what-ifs. What would happen if she froze? What would happen if she got frightened while driving with Adia in the car?

She tried to sleep, but as she closed her eyes, the throb of dread that kept her hovering between the past and the uncertain future took its place.


As she drove down the well-known tree-lined boulevard, Jazmine's hands grasped the smooth leather steering wheel of her new black Audi while sunlight streamed through the windshield. The happy laughter from the back seat overpowered the gentle hum of the car's engine. Adia's small face, eyes bright and crinkled with amusement, clutching her favorite toy bunny, caught her attention as she looked in the rearview mirror.
For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, Jazmine felt normal again as a smile tugged at her lips. Adia's laughter was the sweetest sound, a reminder of why she had taken this step, why she was trying so hard to push past the fear that had anchored her to the past.

"Mommy's got this," she whispered to herself, a small bubble of confidence rising in her chest.

Suddenly, a blaring horn shattered the moment, and time seemed to slow. Out of the corner of her eye, Jazmine saw the gleam of metal and the blur of an approaching car. Her heart seized in her chest as the impact came, the world spinning in a chaotic blur of noise, shattered glass, and screams—her own, piercing and raw.

Darkness swallowed her, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence.

When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the cracked windshield and the glittering shards of glass scattered across the dashboard and her lap. Dazed, she tried to move, pain shooting up her side as she gasped for air. The metallic tang of blood filled her mouth, and the distant sound of sirens wailed in the background.

"Adia," she whispered, her voice hoarse and trembling.

Her eyes darted around, searching for her daughter. The car seat in the back was empty, twisted at an unnatural angle. Panic surged through her veins as she turned her head, ignoring the pain that ripped through her neck. Then she saw her—Adia's tiny form lying on the pavement outside the broken passenger door, surrounded by shards of glass and crimson streaks that painted the ground.

"No, no, no!" Jazmine's voice cracked as she reached out, her body refusing to obey as she tried to crawl toward her daughter. The sight of Adia's small, motionless body with blood seeping around her was a nightmare that tore through her soul.

A blood-curdling scream erupted from her, raw and filled with a terror so deep it burned in her chest. The world around her faded into darkness again, and the sound of her own scream echoed in her ears.


Jazmine jolted awake, her body drenched in sweat and her heart pounding so hard she could barely catch her breath. Her bedroom was dark, and the only sounds she could hear were Huey's steady breathing next to her, still sound asleep, and the gentle rustle of the blankets as she sat up. Her hand shot to her chest in an attempt to stop her heart's wild pounding.

"It was just a dream," she whispered shakily, her body trembling as she pressed her hands to her face.

The panic didn't fully dissipate as she swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet hitting the cool wooden floor. She needed to see Adia, needed to reassure herself that her baby was safe. The nightmare's images still haunted her vision, sharp and vivid, as she crept out of the room and down the hallway.

Adia's nursery was bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the curtains. Jazmine leaned over the crib, her breath catching as she watched Adia's tiny chest rise and fall, each gentle movement soothing the fear that still clung to her. She was sleeping soundly, her small fingers curled around the edge of her blanket, her lips parted in peaceful slumber.

Jazmine let out a tremulous cry and reached down, tenderly stroking Adia's tender cheek with her finger. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she said, "You're okay," feeling a wave of relief. "You're all right."

For a few more minutes, she stood there with her palm on the crib rail, reaffirming that Adia was safe and healthy. She was completely rattled by the nightmare's realism and the overwhelming anxiety it evoked.

Jazmine wiped away her tears and inhaled deeply, hoping that her body would stop shaking. After giving her sleeping daughter one more look, she turned to leave the room and returned quietly to the bedroom. She carefully climbed into bed, the mattress dropping under her weight, while Huey remained asleep with his back to her.
The remaining fear from the dream gradually faded as she laid on her side and gazed into the pitch-black room. She took another deep breath as she listened to Huey's breathing rhythmically, her hand laying over her heart as it eventually started to slow.

Through the curtains, the morning sun warmed Jazmine's face and slowly woke her from a restless slumber. The baby monitor's gentle gurgles served as a reminder of the actual world that awaited her, even as the nightmare's lingering effects clung to her memory. She turned over and looked directly into Huey's eyes. He was already aware, watching her with a gentle, inquisitive grin.
He leaned in to give her a forehead kiss as he added, "Good morning." "How did you sleep?"

Jazmine managed to smile. "Better than some nights," she lied, not wanting to dampen the day with talk of her nightmares. "We should get ready; today's the day, right?"

Huey replied, "Yep, today's the day. Let's get Adia ready."

The morning routine unfolded with its usual chaos. With her fingers resting on her daughter's small hands and finding solace in the warmth of her touch, Jazmine clothed Adia in a small yellow romper embroidered with daisies. Jazmine's heart grew with love as Adia laughed and her maroon eyes crinkled with happiness.

An hour later, they were on the road, the city humming with life as they drove toward their first stop: a Mercedes-Benz dealership. The sleek cars gleamed under the morning sun, their metallic finishes catching Jazmine's eye. She gripped the strap of her purse a little tighter as they walked inside, Huey's arm resting reassuringly on her back.

A sales associate greeted them with a warm smile. "Good morning! Looking for something special today?"

Huey nodded. "We're in the market for a family car. Something safe and reliable, but still stylish."

The associate's eyes lit up. "You've come to the right place. Let me show you our latest SUV models."

They walked down the row of cars, stopping at a gleaming black Mercedes-Benz GLE. Jazmine's eyes skimmed over the polished exterior, her chest tightening. The memory of her dream flashed through her mind, and her fingers trembled slightly.

"It's beautiful," she said quietly, more out of politeness than genuine enthusiasm.

The associate rattled off features—adaptive cruise control, advanced safety systems, all the high-tech bells and whistles. But the more he talked, the less Jazmine felt connected to the car. All she could feel was the mounting anxiety that whispered she wasn't ready.

They proceeded to the next dealership, a Toyota showroom that was crowded with salespeople and families. Huey was drawn to the Toyota RAV4's bright, useful appearance, so they went to take a look. A gregarious young lady with a clipboard came over to them.
She opened the door to show the spacious back seat and remarked, "This is one of our most popular models for young families." "Enough space for a car seat and all the necessities for a baby."

Jazmine's eyes drifted to Adia, who was content in her stroller, babbling happily to herself. The thought of buckling Adia into the back seat of a new car should have brought excitement, but instead, it made Jazmine's throat close up. The young saleswoman's voice blurred into the background as Jazmine's mind spiraled with images of what could go wrong.

"It's a solid option," Huey said, turning to Jazmine. "What do you think?"

Jazmine forced herself to smile. "It's nice," she managed, her voice strained.

The third stop was a Volvo dealership. The moment they walked inside, Jazmine felt a sense of déjà vu. The clean lines and soft leather interiors reminded her of the car she'd had before the accident. A middle-aged man with a kind smile approached them.

"The XC90 is an excellent choice for families," he said, leading them over to a silver SUV. "Volvo's known for safety, so you'd be in good hands."

Jazmine nodded absently, running her fingers over the smooth metal door. Safety was what she needed—what they all needed. But standing there, looking at the car, she felt a tremor of fear she couldn't quite shake.

"It has all the advanced safety features: lane assist, automatic braking, collision warnings," the salesman added.

Huey glanced at Jazmine, sensing her unease. He reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. "We don't have to decide today," he said quietly, giving her an out.

Jazmine swallowed, her eyes meeting his. The concern in his gaze and the steady warmth of his hand gave her the strength to nod. "I know," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "But I want to do this."

They finished looking at the car, and Jazmine forced herself to take mental notes. By the time they walked out of the dealership, the tension in her chest had loosened a little, replaced by a small sense of accomplishment.

The final stop was a Subaru dealership. A young, energetic man walked up, gesturing to a navy blue Outback parked near the entrance. "Perfect for safety and comfort. We get a lot of parents choosing this model for their first family car," he said with a grin.

As Jazmine listened to him, she could feel the weight on her chest lift just a little. The Subaru felt practical, grounded. It was less about flash and more about security, and that resonated with her.

"This one feels… right," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Huey smiled, a look of relief washing over his face

After discussing their options with the sales associate, Jazmine and Huey decided to take the Subaru Outback for a test drive. The salesman handed Huey the keys with a smile, gesturing to the car parked just outside the glass showroom doors.

"Take your time with it," he said. "You'll see why so many families love this model."

Jazmine felt a twist of anxiety in her stomach as they walked out to the car. The sun was high, casting a warm glow over the parking lot, and Adia's soft babbling came from her car seat as Huey strapped her in. Jazmine took a deep breath, steadying herself as she slid into the passenger seat. The interior of the car was clean and inviting, with soft leather seats and a dashboard that boasted the latest safety features.

"Are you sure you don't want to drive?" Huey looked into her eyes and asked softly.
A hesitant smile tugged at Jazmine's lips as she shook her head. "Not right now," she muttered. However, I'd want to be inside. I'd like to experience it.
Huey understood and nodded. Before starting the car, he reached across the dashboard and squeezed her palm reassuringly. Jazmine felt a chill go down her spine as the engine hummed to life, but it was not fear this time, but something calmer and more determined. Even if she wasn't driving, she was still confronting this phase.

Jazmine looked back at Adia, who was staring out the window with wide, inquisitive eyes as they drove off the dealership lot and into the quiet residential street. Jazmine felt a little lighter when she saw her daughter's peaceful gaze. Her jangled nerves were soothed by the car's steady drive and the comfort of Huey's presence by her side.

Huey replied, looking at Jazmine, "It's smooth." Also, there is excellent visibility. What are your thoughts?
Jazmine listened to the gentle buzz of the tires on the street as she brushed her fingertips down the door's edge. "I enjoy it," she said. "It feels safe."

Huey's face lit up, and he leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Good. because I also like it.
A look of relief and silent understanding passed between them. Huey started the car again, turning it back toward the dealership. Jazmine turned to face him, admiring his support and tolerance. He had given her encouragement in a way that made her feel secure without pushing her over her comfort zone.
The salesperson approached them smiling as they parked into the dealership lot. "So, what were your thoughts?"

Jazmine glanced at Huey, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. She nodded, her voice steady as she said, "We'll take it."


After signing the papers and finalizing the purchase, the sales associate beamed as he handed Huey and Jazmine the keys to their brand-new Subaru Outback. It gleamed under the dealership lights, ready and waiting to be taken home. Jazmine's heart thudded in her chest as she glanced at the car, her fingers clutching the key tightly.

"Congratulations," the associate said. "We're thrilled you found the perfect car. And the best part is, this model is ready to go today."

Jazmine exchanged glances with Huey, who nodded reassuringly. "You can do this," he whispered, his voice warm and steady.

She took a deep breath, letting his words wash over her. They'd talked it over, deciding that Huey would take Adia back home in his Suburban while she drove the new Outback.

With his eyes fixed on hers, Huey put his hands on her shoulders. His voice was stern but gentle as he replied, "I'll be driving right behind you the whole way." "Jaz, you're not alone."
She swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. "All right," she muttered. "I am ready to do this."
Jazmine stood at the driver's side of the Subaru after fastening Adia into the car seat in Huey's Suburban and kissing her forehead. After calming her trembling hands and taking another deep breath, she opened the door and slid into the seat. In sharp contrast to the memories that were on the verge of coming back, the smell of the new car was almost overpowering.

For a minute, Huey stood at her window, bending in to give her a tiny, comforting smile. "Take your time," he said. "I'm right here."
With a nod, Jazmine took hold of the steering wheel and started the vehicle. The sound of the engine purring softly filled her veins with a mixture of panic and courage. Looking in the rearview mirror, she saw Huey climb into his Suburban and nod as his eyes met hers.

She let out a trembling breath, put the car in drive, and pushed it along. As she pulled out of the dealership lot and onto the road, the strong sun created lengthy shadows on the pavement. The sounds of the world around her, including the quiet thud of her heartbeat in her ears and the hum of tires, were intensified, and every nerve in her body was on high alert.
She walked through the familiar streets with clammy hands and tiny puffs of air. Though she concentrated on the steady presence of Huey's Suburban in her rearview mirror, the accident memories were still there, just beneath the surface. As he had promised, he was close.

They passed the park where she and Huey had stopped during the test drive, and a small smile touched her lips. Adia's giggles echoed in her mind, a reminder of why she was fighting so hard to overcome this.

As they turned onto their street, Jazmine's pulse began to slow, the familiar sight of their house coming into view. Relief washed over her as she pulled into the driveway and parked. A moment later, Huey's Suburban rolled in behind her, and he was out of the car in an instant, coming up to her door.

She let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding as she opened the door and stepped out. Huey's arms were around her in an instant, holding her tightly.

"You did it," he whispered, pride evident in his voice.

Jazmine leaned into him, her body trembling with a mix of exhaustion and triumph. "I did," she said, a small, genuine smile breaking through the lingering fear.

Huey pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes shining with admiration. "I'm so proud of you, Jaz."

She nodded, her eyes filling with tears—not of fear this time, but of relief. "Thank you for believing in me."

He kissed her softly, a promise that he would always be there, no matter what. As they stood in the driveway, Adia's laughter from inside the Suburban was the final note of reassurance. Jazmine knew the journey wasn't over, but today was a victory—a step forward that she had earned.