Mississippi is a cruel lover. The cotton wool heat grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go from the second the delta sun climbs over the horizon. Everything burns violet in this light.

I see the sun rise over her skin and I want to freeze the moment whole. I want to crawl inside of it, stay forever. But then she suddenly shifts, her head lolling against the passenger door, and the moment slips away. A cloud sweeps across the sun, drowning the light.

I have been driving for hours. I know I should stop for gas, but I am unable to tear myself away from the road. Route 66 is a no-man’s land this time of day. I am alone save for the endless wasteland on both sides. If I squint my eyes, I can see a hint of cool green valleys behind the shimmer of heat at the edge of the highway. If I sit perfectly still I can hear the road speak. I can even hear her voice.

It’s just a mirage, Paulie, she would say, if she could speak. But she is beyond words now. Soon she will be inside this heartland, one with the rich red soil.

RATE THIS CHAPTER!

Click to View Author Guidance

Originally published on Ficlets in answer to a challenge (can't remember exactly what the challenge was, though!). Credit must be given to my most favorite band, U2, for inspiring this piece with their beautiful song, "Heartland."

updated Jan 2 '09 by AnaCristina