“The Monsters with the Headlights” by Joe A. Sainz

THE MONSTERS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS

Joe A. Sainz

I want to cross to the other side, Mother. I know I can make it. I want to cross the gray, hard grass with the double yellow line in the middle. And I know I can make it; I can. There’s unexplored land there.

You can’t; you can’t. The monsters with the headlights will kill you. But I know I can make it; I can.

Look what happened to the possum. There he lies in a heap—in disgrace.

But he does not lie in disgrace; he died trying. But there may be better acorns on the other side. I must find out.

No, you don’t. You should stay here where it’s safe and happy. No. I must cross. I’ll be careful.

Careful? The skunk was careful. Smell that in the air? That’s all that’s left of him.

I’ll go at night so I can see the monsters’ headlights.

You had a brother once. His tail is hanging in our nest. That was all we could find.

But I can do it. I know I can.

No, you can’t. You should stay here where it’s safe and happy. Look what happened to the groundhog.

He ran across without looking. I can do better. But look what happened to the rabbit. We had to take care of her babies.

She stopped in the middle to look. I can do better.

But look what happened to the snake; he got squashed. He was too slow; I’ll cross fast. I can do better.

You don’t know if you can do better. You should stay here where it’s safe and happy.

But if great grandpa hadn’t crossed, we wouldn’t have a tree to live in. And if grandpa hadn’t crossed, he wouldn’t have built our nest. And if grandma hadn’t crossed with him, none of us would be here. And if …

Your father?

Yes. He would still be alive, safe and happy if he had not crossed. But, why did he cross? To save you when you were a baby, son… to save you. Is that why I only have three legs? Yes.

I still must go. You’re right, son. I’m sorry. Sorry for what?

For holding you back. Go ahead and cross with my blessing. Go, my son. Go with your head held high. Go, and do not stop.