Steady She Goes

There were no lights along that stretch of road, but it was the shortest way home. This time of night the darkness almost had a mass to it that closed in around us as we gingerly felt out the smoothest path with out feet, peering anxiously ahead for any glimmer to guide our way. There were noises in the bush on either side. When we would remember to bring a flashlight it would catch the glow of animals’ eyes if we shone it off the road. Usually we kept the beam locked steady on the road in front of us.