There is no warning.

One minute you are driving along, and the next minute it is as if you are high. That feeling of disassociation. Almost tunnel vision. Is this real life, or is it fantasy?

Someone cue Queen, and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The checklist begins….

Tightness in my chest? No.

Breathing? Yes.

Focus. That is all you can do now. Focus on what is happening here and now.

Slow down, and increase the distance from the car in front of you. Brake earlier than anyone else.

There is no pulling over and breathing through it. We have already established that my breathing is fine.

Stop grinding your teeth.

In traffic it gets worse. Constantly checking in my mirrors. Looking for the the asshole who rear-ended me last year. Still can feel what it was like when I looked in the rear-view mirror and watched that big-assed truck ram into the Del Sol.

How much further until I get to the store? 15 minutes….barring any unforeseen circumstances.

You’re still grinding your teeth.

And this is the way it goes. There is no warning. And it doesn’t go away until you are out of the car and back home.

What a fun way to spend an afternoon.