Taking the Wheel

Every wheel was turning clean and the debris was cleared out of the treads, so I didn't waste daylight standing around admiring the shine. I climbed straight up the driver's side tire, grabbed the door frame, and vaulted into the cab. Planted both combat boots against the cleared floorboard and gripped the plastic steering wheel with two fists. Sighted straight down the red plastic hood toward the open road. Leaned back against the molded seat, squared my shoulders, and felt the whole rig settle under my weight. This machine isn't parked anymore. We're in position, ready to haul down the highway the second the road calls. That's the bottom line.