It is cold. Ice crystals hang in the air. The car heater struggles to keep the windows clear.

We are already late for our first class, and the turkey in front of us decides to stop for the flashing lights. The train is a good 45 seconds away, moron. If you hadn’t slowed down, we’d both have made it across with plenty of time to spare. I’m glad it wasn’t my turn to drive, or I’d be honking and swearing right now. It’s not like this crossing has barriers or anything.

Oh, wait. I know that turkey. He’s in some of my classes. We’re not friends, but we’ve exchanged pleasantries a few times. He seems like a nice enough guy.

Here comes the train, and it looks like a long one. It’s flying, though. Must be doing at least 70.

Slow motion. Frame by frame. Tunnel vision. The guy in the car ahead leans over for some reason. The coarse growl of tires on ice and gravel. The car leaps ahead. Train and car meet. No sound. Car is gone. Sparks hang in the air. Freeze frame.

Oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck.