Friction: No More Friction

“I am going!” Mattie had no idea the decision she made that night, would change her life forever.

Earlier, thunder had rumbled in the distance. Gradually, it came closer and became more intense. Sheet lightning lit up the horizon and streaks of lightning danced everywhere. It was not raining yet, but would shortly.

“I am going to the dance!” argued Mattie. “This is the single most important night of my life. You are not stopping me! Neither is the weather!”

“Honey, please don't go out on the highway on a night like this!” her mother pleaded. Since Mattie had turned sixteen, there was constant friction between them. Ignoring her mother’s advice, Mattie grabbed her car keys and was soon racing down the highway. with huge raindrops splattering the windshield. 

“I should have changed my windshield wipers. I can barely see.” Moments later, as she sped through a wooded area, a deer bounded across the highway. Mattie hit her brakes and veered to the left, but it was too late. She was horrified, as the deer flew towards her. 

Hours later, Mattie awakened in the hospital, her mother’s face hovering over her.

“Where am I?” she asked. “What happened?”

“You are in the hospital, honey. You did not get very far before you hit a deer. Your dad found you lying on the side of the road on his way home from work. The deer landed on top of your windshield. You are a very lucky girl.” 

“That was quite an impact!” her father said, later. “Your car did not make it; neither did the deer. Thank God, you did!”

“Oh, no!” thought Mattie, suddenly realizing that she could not feel her legs.

“Dad, I am so sorry. Would you apologize to Mom, for all of the friction I have caused in our family?”

“She’s still here, honey. You can tell her yourself, when she comes back from the coffee shop. The doctor wants to examine you now.”

Mattie soon realized this was the worst night of her entire life. She apologized to her mother. “No more friction.”