Member-only story
The Passenger
Jake dragged himself out the front door, buttoning his coat as he headed for the driveway. His coffee mug in one hand, his keys and briefcase in the other, he stepped over an icy puddle with his head down.
Grumbling to himself, he dumped the briefcase in the backseat and slid inside. Maybe the heater would kick in before he got to work for once. Still grumbling, he pulled the old car into traffic.
Another Monday. He cursed quietly and rubbed his eyes.
Jake was stopped at a red light when the old woman opened the passenger door and got in.
He was just taking his first sip of hot coffee when she settled into the seat beside him. He choked on the hot liquid, blinking his eyes in surprise.
“Good morning”, she said briskly, settling her bulky red purse at her feet and carefully pulling off her pink mittens.
He was a polite young man. His mom had raised him well. He gulped, wiped his chin with the back of one hand and turned to look at his unexpected guest.
“Good morning,” he replied, a question in his voice. He blinked again, trying to focus on the image in front of him.
“Green light, dear.” The woman nodded toward the light. “Let’s go.” She snapped her seatbelt into place and smoothed her skirt over her knees.
