EIGHTEEN
December 2001
Houston
My heart thudded against my chest as I turned the steering wheel to the left. The car grazed the curb and steadied. I felt my breath quicken. This driving business was tough. In Houston, I was forced to learn how to drive. The public transportation system didn’t take you everywhere, and with my many prenatal appointments, it was easier to get around in my own car. Uncle Rizvi offered me a few lessons, and after some fits, starts, and emotional moments, I was finally able to get behind the wheel on my own. He also helped me find a used Toyota Camry and concluded with pride that I was well on my way. Except, I had this fear of oncoming traffic since my days of living in Karachi, where I’d witnessed many accidents and near-misses and could not quite get comfo
