How many eternities has it been. I can't remember and it is only 4:00 am. Won't he ever wake up? No, it's better if he doesn't.

I'm pacing in the living room. Occasionally I look out the window at the fresh fallen snow. I sit down. My foot is tapping to The Flight of the Bumblebee – maybe faster. I look towards the window, but can't see anything from where I'm sitting. It’s now 4:03 am.

I can't believe it. I got a ticket for speeding and I was only going 30 mph at most. The deputy said I was moving in excess of the road conditions. A moving violation. I have to appear in court. Bummer.

I'm pacing again. It's hard to sit, still or otherwise. I've got so much energy – maybe I'm Superman. Maybe it was 4:07 in the morning when Rimsky composed. Maybe I'm a mouse. I'd like to crawl into a hole in the wall. 4:09 am.

After 17 more eternities it's starting to get light. I wish he would wake up. No, I don't. 7:31 am.

"Good morning. Sleep well?" my father asked.

I jumped a little. I had not heard him come into the room. "No. I haven't slept at all," I replied.

"Oh?" he sounded concerned. He wouldn't be very concerned once I told him. That much was certain.

I blurted out, "I crashed the car last night." I didn’t tell him that I tried to occupy the same space as a semi. I didn't tell him I got a speeding ticket and had to appear in court. I didn't tell him that no one was injured.

"Well, let's have a look." He started for the garage door. I followed.

We are now standing at the rear corner on the driver's side. "That does not look too bad," he stated matter-of-factly.

"You haven't seen the other side yet," I replied almost squeaking like a mouse.

He walked to the other side. "Hmm. Well, it looks like you are going to learn how to get an estimate for the insurance company."

Relief rippled through my body. No eruption – not that I thought he would. No yelling – not that I thought he would. Just acceptance of me like this was a normal everyday occurrence. Thank-you Dad.