The Learner

'For the tenth time, it's the HighWAY Code. WAY! WAY! Not HighROAD Code.'

Margaret stared at the instructor's purple face and surreptitiously wiped some spittle from her cheek.

It was her fourth lesson, and the instructor's risk of a heart attack had soared.

'Just stay calm...breathe deeply...'

'I am calm,' insisted Margaret.

'I'm talking to myself!'

After several deep inhalations, the instructor said in a false soothing manner, 'Right!

Mirrors...signal...aaaand pull out, not forgetting the blind spot.'

The car lurched and struggled.

'I don't understand,' muttered Margaret.

The instructor gripped the door handle, his knuckle white and bellowed 'THE HANDBRAKE!!!!'

Jonathan Hill Merits