The Torrent

In the pre-dawn darkness, I left the house to go to the airport. The radio warned of heavy rain. It started slowly and then came down in buckets. My windshield wipers couldn't keep up.

I came upon a flooded street. Most vehicles stopped – then a pick-up truck ventured through. With near zero visibility, I decided to follow him. I can't miss my flight.

Suddenly, the car was hit by a wall of water, almost throwing my small Mazda on its side. I was thrown violently against the door frame. Swept downstream, I uselessly gunned the engine. I was floating and spinning in the raging torrent and then stopped against some bushes.

"I've got to get out of here!" I exclaimed. The pressure of the torrential flow made it impossible to open the door. When I lowered the window, the car instantly filled with ice cold water, taking my breath away. I then realized, "I'm going to die here".

I prayed. "Please God! Forgive me for betraying my family!"