Tears streamed down Elena's cheeks as she drove. She gripped the wheel, overcome with anger and disappointment. The road ahead was a blur, her vision clouded by the constant flow of tears. She ignored the blaring horns and angry shouts from other drivers. As she rounded a bend, her tires hit a slick patch of oil. The car skidded, and she yanked the steering wheel to the left.
From the opposite direction, another vehicle’s sharp headlights suddenly blinded her. Startled, Elena spun the wheel back to the right. At such a high speed and on the slick pavement, she lost control. The car veered off the road and plunged down an embankment lined with oak trees.
“Ah!” Elena screamed, her eyes wide as her headlights illuminated a massive oak directly in her path.
“No, no!” she cried, but it was t
