May 04, 2003
San Mateo, CA
0 miles

I'm beginning.

Sitting in the pilot's seat, laptop propped up on the center console.

I've put the key in Jesse and started her engine for the first time. Really the first time this time, the first start of the engine for the first mile on the first day of the trip. She snaps to attention and rumbles to life, not a hint of hesitation or second-guessing in her voice. All the attention to every detail is finally realized, every setback overcome, every demon exorcised.

The neighbor's cat darts by, my only witness.

I can't believe I'm finally doing it. It feels delicious and somehow illegal... illegal to be departing on an unbounded trip of unknown destination when everyone else all around me has so much responsibility to look forward to.

... the police swoop in on Scott and Lake simulaneously blocking my escape, megaphones and pistols drawn... neighbors peek from behind curtains. jesse is hitched to a towtruck. i am handcuffed and taken away, an officer at each elbow... dragging on my heels.

There is nothing quite like the start of a real journey.