It wasn’t Seth’s first time running from the cops,
but it was the first time this December.
Christmas lights wrapped around homes
as though they, themselves, were a gift.
Seth gripped the steering wheel,
checking the rearview mirror.
The windshield wipers batted
large white flakes from his sight.
His smile stretched over his teeth,
knowing he shook the cops.
The powdered snow accumulated,
causing the cops to drop the pursuit.
Seth could drive the side streets and alleys
with his eyes closed, unlike the cops who lived
in the upper-middle-class part of town.
The bacon, wearing a uniform,
chased me with cherry lights
that cycled.
Seth’s broken headlight
left him a target for bored officers.
He spent his money on a ring for Natalia.
So, a headlight would have to wait.
But places waited for me.
Natalia glanced at her watch.
Her patience wore thin.
She looped her arms around her waist
and lowered her chin, pacing the seconds
until the train departed.
The train left in a few minutes
and Seth couldn’t miss this.
A truck with one headlight brightened shadows
that hung thick as Seth approached.
Natalia touched her cheeks with both hands.
Her face lit up, and she released
the tension in her chest.
Seth exited the truck and reached
into the bed for his suitcase.
Seth swiveled his gaze like a man steeped in paranoia.
Natalia rolled her eyes.
“Running from the cops, again?” Natalia said. “You know my dad won’t—”
“Your dad is the police chief.”
“What am I going to do with you?” Natalia’s sigh turned into a smile.
“I know,” I said, digging in my jeans pocket.
“Know what?”
“What are you going to do with me?” Seth said. He bent to one knee. “Marry me. That’s what you’re going to do.”
Seth studied her gaze. Natalia placed her hand over her heart, and with her free hand, she wiped tears. “I know what I’m going to do, too,” Natalia said.
Seth swallowed hard. “What’s that?”
“Marry you.” Natalia extended her arm, and Seth guided the engagement ring on her finger.
People on the train applauded.
They rode the train to tell his parents the news over Christmas.