Winter 2020· Torch: U.S. · MODERN MYTH
the drive
Modern Myth
T he package comes in the mail, small and white. It's just another piece of junk to shred until you notice that it's addressed to you, not your mom. Interesting. Tearing it open, a small plastic rectangle slips out.
"Damien, it came, it came, it came!"You flash your new driver's license at him excitedly.
"Luka, calm down, and congrats!"He says, hands desperately trying to slow you down. Taking your extended license, he starts laughing. "Did you have to make this expression for the photo though? You know this license will be with you for the next few years."
Frowning, you grab your license back. "At least I passed on the first try,"You snap.
22
celebrate. Do you even have a car to drive, Luka?"
"Congrats then," you tell him. "I'll get a car soon. I'll just ask my dad. Maybe he'll even let me test drive one of Sol Industries newest models."
Damien snorts. "Still keeping this facade up? You don't even share a last name with Adrian Sol, how can you expect me to believe he's actually your father?"
You shove him lightly. "Just you wait, Damien. I'll show you," you promise.
After school, you head to your father's company building. Nodding to the secretary, you feign confidence, casually strolling towards a marked stairwell. You may have never visited your father at work, but surely it can't be too difficult to find him.
By the time you reach the top floor, you're huffing and puffing. Pulling open the door, you pause to catch your breath.
The view is magnificent: floor-to-ceiling windows decorate the top floor, allowing you to marvel at the beauty of the sunset. Very helpfully, there's an office with your father's name on the door. Knocking, you enter.
"Luka?"He stares at you in confusion.
"Hi, dad," you say. "Remember when you said you'd give me a gift?" He nods.
"Can I take one of your prototypes out for a ride? I promise I'll be careful. I have my license too, see?" you ask, words spilling from your mouth. "Please? You said I could ask for anything within your power."
"Do you understand what you're asking, Luka? I won't back out of my promise, but I'm worried for your safety. Our newest prototype, outfitted with flight capabilities, is very powerful. The AI may be difficult for you to control. However, it does come with an autopilot setting. At least promise me you'll just take it for a short trip and keep it on autopilot the whole time, alright?" he sighs wearily.
"Yes, yes, thank you, Dad," you say, rushing in to hug him. "Please don't make me regret this," he mutters, tossing you a set of keys. "Here are the keys to prototype 6. Pol will take you to the lab and get you set up.
Please be careful."
Nodding, you bound off after Pol, whom your father summoned with a button. Pol leads you to the lab and straps you inside prototype 6. It's a gorgeous vehicle, crimson and
The package comes in the mail, small and white. It's just another piece of junk to shred until you notice that it's addressed to you, not your mom. Interesting. Tearing it open, a small plastic rectangle slips out.
"MOM, MOM!” you shout. "MOM, IT FINALLY CAME!!"
Your mother looks up tiredly. "That's great, honey."
“Sorry," you murmur, "I forgot you had a shift last night."
The next day, as you pick up Damien for your daily walk to school, you can't stop bouncing.
"Damien, it came, it came, it came!" You flash your new driver's license at him excitedly.
"Luka, calm down, and congrats!" he says, his hands desperately trying to slow you down. Taking your extended license, he starts laughing. "Did you have to make this expression for the photo though? You know this license will be with you for the next few years."
Frowning, you grab your license back. "At least I passed on the first try," you snap. "How many times have you tried now?"
"I'll have you know I passed yesterday," he says smugly. "My dad bought me a new car to
Story by Alicia Luo, OJCL
Art by Maddie Ray, TSJCL
Magna cum laude winners,
2020 NJCL Convention