This story is completely fictional, imagined in my fantasies and in no way derived from any real experience. 18+
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Going for a vigorous run on a warm balmy August evening is about as appealing as doing my taxes, but nonetheless it is a necessary evil right now. I've been determined to lose weight and attain a modicum of good health.
Finally I'm approaching the end of my run, and victory is within reach! Along with the momentum of running, the oppressive heat and humidity becomes tolerable and the beautiful scenery, the aroma of pine and the babbling streams in the forest have become wonderfully meditative.
There is a steep incline I particularly dread as I approach the end of the forest path to finish my run. I brace myself and am readying to race myself up the incline, when suddenly my left ankle falls into a hole beneath a slightly protruding root.
I twist my ankle severely and fall to the ground, screaming in pain. I can't believe this. I'm so close to the final part of the run too!
Luckily, my car is not far from the top of the incline, but I am not sure if I'll be able to make it up there. I try to stand up and once again cry out in pain. I don't think my ankle is broken, but it is very badly twisted and sprained.
I sit there solemnly, just taking breaths, allowing the pain to relent and recede to a dull throb. Not far from the car now... The sun is going down... Not far...
I reach for the lowest branches of the tree, hoisting myself up against the trunk, wincing in pain all the while. A few minutes more and I begin what seems like a relatively monumental ascent, stumbling and limping my way up the incline. Eventually I'm happy and relieved to be sitting in the comfort of my car. It's almost dark and the drive home shouldn't take long...
It's normally a short ride home, but the journey feels never ending tonight. The pain is distracting as I try my hardest to focus on driving. And then... Luck is definitely NOT on my side tonight. I've failed to realize I'm low on gas. Very low.
I pull over, and the whole calamity has me nearly in tears. At least my cell phone is working...YES!
A quick scroll into my contacts and the phone is ringing. Dad picks up and I'm pitifully explaining the whole sorry escapade and where I am. His comforting voice calming me and half an hour later, a familiar set of headlights pulls up behind, flashing twice in greeting. Dad gets out and walks over, tapping on the glass.
"Knock knock! Hey princess!" Dad smiles that reassuring smile. "Should I call for an ambulance or...?" he laughs.
No!" I shout. "No hospitals. You know I hate hospitals. It is just a sprain," I brattishly pout.
"It's ok darling, I'm only pulling your leg," he chortles.
"Ugh, Dad..." I'm so pleased to see him despite his terrible sense of humor.
"C'mon darling, lock up and let's get you home. Mom's or my place? You haven't visited recently."
To explain, Mom and Dad are separated, and not for very long. Mom is perimenopausal and a little bipolar. I can't blame dad, in a way, for putting a distance between the two of them. One less cup or plate or nearest thing' thrown in his direction during one of her 'moments.' I think he preferred the low times and the silent treatment.
"Your place Dad, I'll message Mom when we're home."
"Ok baby, we'll pick up your car in the morning. Buckle up. Let's go."
I've sometimes felt like a total ass having Dad take care of me. I've really felt helpless and foolish at times. But it's truly wonderful how he is always there for me, and always so willing to do so at a moment's notice. He's so very sweet and genuine, very down to earth and mellow; no nonsense and drama free, unlike Mom. He's always a breath of fresh air. I'm gazing at him wistfully as the light from the intermittent streetlights overhead slow-strobe through the windshield.