What If I Answered the Phone Call?

It was my usual morning routine. The rush of adrenaline pumped into the bloodstream with a cup of coffee. I grabbed the leash from the side table and hooked it into the overly anxious doberman's collar waiting by the door.

The car key on one hand, and dog leash on the other. Seat belt strapped and I-phone sat on the cup holder. The dog stayed on the back seat.

My car backed out of the driveway then headed towards the nearest park for our morning walk. 

Half way down our destination, the phone rang while the car moved up after halting from a four-way stop sign.

I had this chronic habit of grabbing the phone from the cupholder to check the number displayed whenever it rang.

But on that moment, I did not pay attention nor looked down.

If I did, this is what could have happened: A girl riding a bike  could have been hit. There would be no singular effect for a singular cause. The effect may be a string of unwanted and unwelcome events: injury, spiked insurance premiums, cost of car repair, broken schedules and appointments, police record,  litigation, emotional havoc, etc.

When the car braked for a full stop, her frightened face pierced through the glass window. 

Where on earth did she come from? My eyes moved 90 degrees to check both sides. I thought it was clear. 

But if on that very moment, I picked up the phone when it rang while the car inched its way forward, my life today could have taken a different course.

Yesterday's incident was a wake-up call. It likened the glaring rays of sun at it's peak smacked on my face.

What opportunity call could give me back the life that used to be if on that one instant, I did not do what I did?