The trip started out as smooth as can be expected. Traveling at no more than 30 miles an hour. However, that doesn't last long. The roads have gotten hard to navigate with all this ice, making it hard to keep control of the vehicle.

"Mom? You ok? I can drive some if you need me to. I'll be careful, I promise." Dean whispers softly.

"I'm fine. Really. Just stay warm."

****************

Mom can't quit shaking. She's never really been able to handle the cold well. Although you wouldn't know it, being her favorite time of year is Christmas. Sometimes she amazes me. And she wonders where I get my stubborn side.

I guess if I'm being honest, I'm not at all surprised she showed up to get me.  That's one thing I can say about her, she'll give her life for my brothers and me without thinking twice. Her love knows no bounds. I also get that from her. That's why I find it hard to find someone. The few girls I have tried to date aren't looking for that kind of relationship, the one where they have someone who opens their hearts completely to you. It's just who I am. I never understood games or the idea of dating for fun. I'm, well, different than most guys my age. It's my flaw I guess. But it's ok, I know who I am. I'm my mother's son. And there is no one I'd rather be.

***************

We are getting close to the first of three exits off the interstate, the last being ours. Things have gone relatively smoothly. Slow, but smooth. Who knew snacks are so dangerous.

I reach back to snag the treats I grabbed when I left the house this morning to offer Dean some, and that's all it took. One glance. One second of my attention gone to hit the patch of black ice on the side of the road.

Before I knew what was happening, we had spun out of control. Careening towards the guard rail.

Silence. That's what I heard. Complete and utter silence. In the time it took from one spot to another, I glanced over to see his eyes wide, watching our fate unfold. All my rushing, all my effort, and I would be the death of my son, not the ice.

Everything went black.

****************

Getting closer and closer to home, I can't help but let out the breath I had been holding. I thought I could do it. I thought I was strong enough to fight this on my own. But the truth is, I was scared. The fact that mom came rushing to my rescue gave me an out. I was able to walk away from my decision without seeming weak, or cowardice. She may never know how scared I was or how relieved I was when she came rushing in. But she's my hero. And one day I'll tell her so.

As we approach the first exit, I see her reach to the back seat, for what, I have no clue. Before I can warn her about the ice, we connect with it and start to spin.

My eyes widen as the vehicle takes our fate into it's own hands. This can not be happening. This can't be the way things end. Just when I thought things were ok.

Crash.

We collide with the guard rail, a sickening crunch echoing through the air. My breath is lost from the impact but otherwise I'm alive. I sit for what seems like an eternity, trying to take in what happened.

As I turn my head to let Mom know I'm ok, all I see is her slumped against the shattered window. No! This can't be happening. She came after me. And I got her killed.

What have I done?