Clearing the Glass

Condensation sat heavy on my hood. Fine droplets clouded the spiderweb fracture across the glass. I pulled away from the brick corner, steady and low. Ahead, the concrete sloped downward in an unbroken line toward the street. No obstacles in the lane. I gave the rear tires clean traction and let momentum take the weight. The cold morning air pushed hard against the front grille. Droplets flattened, broke their grip on the enamel, and sheared backward across the roof in long, tight streaks. At the base, I cut power, tires gripping the dry asphalt seam. The glass is clear again.