Lifeless

Sirens wailed.

Jonny stared as bystanders rushed to the scene, pushing past him on the curb as though unaware he was there.

He blinked as a tear caressed his cheek.

Jonny squinted against the flashing lights as car doors slammed and emergency personnel joined the rescue efforts.

He tried to call out, but his voice escaped him. He watched the flames dance as frantic voices echoed.

His head pounded. He knew he was hurt, but he didn’t know how. He itched his face; his hand dripped red.

Wide-eyed, he watched as people hurried to the lifeless body of his mother and began C.P.R. Jonny’s gaze wandered to the pile of pouring gravel as the hidden car seat crushed under its weight.

‘Are you listening to me?’

Jonny jumped, blinking rapidly.

‘Are you listening to me?’ tutted his mum, stopping at a red light. His baby sister cooed happily in the seat beside him. ‘Put your seat belt ON.’

‘Mum?’ he muttered; an air of doom filled the car.

Vehicles rushed past the intersection as Johnny frantically searched amongst the moving traffic. His eyes locked on an upcoming truck, over-weighted with construction materials. He held his breath as it gathered speed. Pieces of gravel littered their rooftop as it thundered past.

His mother put the car in gear as the light changed.

‘Mum! Stop!’ Jonny shouted; his sister began to cry.

‘Jonny!’ His mother scolded as she pulled away. ‘You scared her!’

The car gathered speed.

‘Mum, no!’ he pounced from his seat, wrapping his arms around her head, blocking her view.

Screaming, she slammed on the brakes, throwing Jonny back into his seat.

‘What’s gotten into you?’ She gasped, turning to look at him.

In the distance, tyres screeched as people began to scream.

An explosion rocked the car.