On the road, a three-row SUV lay flipped on its side, wheels still spinning, engine hissing steam like a dying beast.
Moments later, six battered figures crawled out through the shattered windows, coughing and groaning.
"Cough, cough…"
"So, uh… if I said I just misjudged the gas pedal, would you believe me?" Ethan asked, sheepish.
"Absolutely!" everyone chorused—without hesitation.
"Cool. Then how about we find another car and I give it another shot? I swear I'll get it right this time."
Every head shook in unison like bobbleheads in an earthquake. Even Pumpkin, the orange cat perched on Chris's shoulder, gave a dramatic shake of his furry head.
"Ethan, even if we're Awakened, our bodies still have limits," Chris said, face dark with frustration.
"Yeah, man," Sean added quickly. "Why don't you just sit back and enjoy the ride? Let me handle the driving."
