On the drive home.

Chapter 1 – Discovering the App (continued)

Jason was just getting on the freeway when he felt the first wave of dizziness. His eyes didn’t want to focus, and he let his foot off the gas a little to make sure he didn’t run into someone as he shook his head to clear it. At this time of night traffic wasn’t terrible, but in Orange County the freeways were never totally empty.

He made it another mile when his vision began to blur once again. He’d stayed in the right-hand lane so when he slowed and started pulling onto the shoulder there was no issue with people coming up behind him. By the time his vision cleared, he was on an unfamiliar off ramp, and he kept driving, making two right turns into the first parking lot he came across.

He parked, turned off his engine, and opened his bag in the passenger seat, digging around until he found some Excedrin. He popped two pills along with a gulp from his water bottle then lay his head back and closed his eyes.

He must have dozed off at least briefly, because he was startled awake by a tapping at his window, finding himself immediately blinded by a flashlight beam coming through at him. In his mirror he could see red and blue flashing lights, so he rolled down the window as soon as his fingers could find the button.

“I’m sorry, officer, I was feeling a little poorly on my way home from school so I pulled off the freeway to take some headache medicine and rest my eyes a bit.” He still couldn’t see outside the car, and with his engine off he had no idea what time it was.

The cop in question simply grunted an acknowledgement, asked to see his license and registration, then checked his eyes to make sure his pupils were dilating. A process which did nothing for his temporarily impaired vision. “You sure you haven’t been drinking?” The man asked after a couple minutes, returning with Jason’s credentials.

“Of course not. I’m under age.” He tried to sound reassuring.

“Are you aware your right brake light is out?” The policeman asked next.

“Uh, no…” Jason reflexively took his foot off the brake pedal.

“I’m going to have to give you a fix it ticket.” He was told, as the officer scribbled out the document. “No fine; so long as you get it taken care of. Make sure you’re fully recovered before you start your car again.”

“I will.” Jason replied gratefully, and accepted the sheaf of paper he was handed, then watched as the officer returned to his patrol car and soon was on his way.

Jason put his key in the ignition and turned just enough for the electronics to come to life, showing him it was a quarter to midnight, almost two hours after he’d left school, which meant he had indeed fallen asleep.

He waited another ten minutes to be certain the dizziness wouldn’t return, then started his car and resumed his trek home. Hopefully with no further incident.