Engine Off

(Sound of engine shutting down - a low whirrr... then silence)

(The metal ticking of a cooling engine: Tick... Tick...)

It stops.

The vibration stops.

But my hands are still shaking.

The sun is coming up.

It’s not warm. It’s just bright.

It burns away the safety of the night.

I sat in this box of iron and steel.

Trying to outrun the way I feel.

But the gas light is burning red.

And the silence is getting loud in my head.

I can’t drive forever.

I can’t drive back to you.

There’s nothing left to do.

Engine off.

The noise is dead.

I’m back where I started, filled with dread.

The keys feel heavy in my hand.

Like a stone, like a grain of sand.

The journey ends at the garage door.

I don't know who I am anymore.

Engine off.

World on.

Everything I loved is gone.

I open the door and step on the ground.

My legs feel weak, the world spins round.

The house is waiting, dark and tall.

Just a prison, just a wall.

I look at the seat where you aren't there.

And I leave the ghost in the morning air.

Lock the car.

Walk away.

Force myself to face the day.

(Sound of car door slamming shut - Heavy echo)

(Footsteps crunching on gravel - slow)

It’s over.

The drive is done.

But the race...

I haven't won.

(Deep exhale)

Engine off.

(Fade into silence)