Chapter 16 - THE CAR NATHAN FINALLY DROVE
Nathan waited three years before driving the Ares X.
The prototype had completed its national tour.
Engineers had replaced every questionable component.
Independent laboratories certified the braking system.
Maya handed Nathan the key inside the original design garage.
“You do not have to drive it.”
“I know.”
“You can keep it as an exhibit.”
“I know.”
Henry stood near the open doors.
He carried Daniel’s old driving gloves.
Nathan put them on.
They were slightly too large.
He entered the car.
The steering wheel illuminated.
D.S. appeared briefly on the screen.
Then the system displayed a message his father programmed years earlier.
WELCOME, NATHAN.
CHOOSE THE ROAD.
Nathan began crying before the engine started.
He did not hide it.
Maya waited.
Henry looked toward the floor.
When Nathan was ready, he pressed the ignition.
The engine came alive quietly.
He drove onto the private track.
Slowly at first.
Then faster.
At the first turn, his hands tightened.
He imagined the brake pedal falling.
The guardrail.
His father’s voice.
Maya spoke through the radio.
“You are in control.”
Nathan pressed the brake.
The car slowed smoothly.
Again.
Faster.
Brake.
Turn.
Accelerate.
The machine did what it was built to do.
After several laps, Nathan stopped beside the garage.
Henry approached.
“How was it?”
“Good.”
“Only good?”
Nathan smiled.
“Dad would want me to criticize the steering.”
Henry laughed through tears.
Nathan did not keep the Ares inside a private collection.
He drove it during safety demonstrations.
He allowed engineering students to study it.
Once a year, it returned to Crown City.
The sales card no longer showed a price.
It showed one sentence.
NOT FOR SALE.
May you like
Some things belonged to memory.
Not markets.
