The last weekend of summer.
Friends meet at the lake to celebrate their last moment of freedom.

He picks her up at dusk in his dad's car.
Promises given…They'll be careful and home by eleven.
If only we could know what the future holds.

The party is pulsing with a life of its own.
The bonfire's glare throws shadows and light across the sand.

Bottles of liquid fire are passed to huddled groups laughing, filled with unruly thirst.
It all seems so innocent and fun.
We are immortal.
We are invincible.

He offers her a drink.
She turns away.
Surrounded by the throng of inebriated souls.
She is alone.

He tries to coax her into taking just one sip.
She'll like it.
She'll relax and have some fun.
Why won't she just give in?

She wonders why he doesn't know her well enough to see that this is no her way.
She wants to go home.

He cares for her, but wants to have fun.
Is her happiness of a greater value to him than the good opinion of the crowd?

They make their way back to the car.
She asks for the keys.
He's not drunk.
He's only had a few.
She asks again.
He's fine to drive her home.
Angry words.

The road stretches ahead with just a sphere of light surrounding the front of the car.
She's silent, he's mad that she made him leave early.

A blur of light, the crunch of metal.
They never saw it coming.

Sirens and flashing lights.
The smell of ammonia…the pain.
He stands by her bedside.
She won't live long.
There's too much damage the doctors say.

He must say goodbye…and then learn to live with the choices he has made.

What is a life worth?
A few drinks with friends?
Giving up your pride to let someone else drive?
Her life was worth more than this.