Young Love

by Alexis Shironaka

The asphalt was darker than usual.
It made a rhythmic pop to the beat of the radio.
The sun spotlighted our little part of the world, turning the raindrops on the trees into diamonds.
His crooked smile resembled the J overturned on the tilted gold square that swooshed by unseen.
Lingering storm clouds stole our spotlight, leaving us in shadows.
His lips settled into something like the dry, flat fields of Kansas.
His eyes screamed silently, realizing what was just ahead of us.
The music faded behind the cries of the tires, desperately trying to keep hold of the road.
The yellow lines blurred.
Outside, out of focus, spun around us.
The forest floor finally laid its fist to rest,
Leaving us alive but
With stains on our skin as reminders to always read the signs.