ADAM'S STAR

Nine o'clock, and the eight year old adjusted his glasses. "Dad, could you slow down a bit?" "Relax Junior, you know we've got to make it back to Green Hills before dinner, we wouldn't want to extend curfew. And besides, Max is home all alone." "I know but, aren't you driving too fast? I'm getting scared." "Kiddo..." "Drive Hal, I'll handle this." "Sure honey," Hal shrugged with his hands fixed firmly on the steering. "Whatever you say." "Adam?" Susan called from the seat in front. "Yes mom?" "Can you guess what I see?" "Not really." The lad replied. "You trust mom, right?" She went on. "Well, yeah." "Look out the window.." The boy unbuckled the belt that held him and stuck out his head through the open window on his left. "Now what do you see?" "The stars?" "Adam, how about you pick one." She said. "Hmm, I choose...that one, on the right-up ahead!" He pointed up. "It's the brightest." "Now that's what I'm talking about," Hal remarked in his usual enthusiastic manner. "Kent style!" "The brightest huh, you're sure you like it?" "Uh-huh." "Then it's yours." She said. "Really?" He beamed. "Of course." Susan affirmed. "Hold on a sec, since we're picking stars now, I want mine too." Hal put in. "You don't get to pick sweetheart," Susan reproached in a tease. "Eyes on the road." "Nah I want to pick." Hal said, sticking his head out of the window. Engrossed in the moment, he failed to realize they were approaching a railway. "Hal!" Susan screamed, calling his attention. It was too late, a train speeding from the left knocked off their vehicle.