Stoplights
On relishing and admiring the extraordinary of the moment
We get lost in the aimlessness of the night.
Flashing lights and exit signs pass by, all in a blur of monotony. They are roads often traveled, always ignored, a product of the expected and the norm. My eyes remain locked forward, my ears open to the story of your day.
That’s when it happens.
As the light eases to yellow, you have two choices: accelerate in hopes of saving time, or stopping in favor of savoring it. In a past life, the former would have in all likelihood been the preference. The focus is on what’s ahead, not what’s present in that moment. The destination and the end game, rather than company that sits beside me.
But here, the decision is easier.
Slow down, then stop.
For these brief 20-30 seconds, the life around us has stopped. Cars hum, circle, and blow past, but their presence is negligible. The world has suddenly condensed itself to the confines of four doors and a few windows, as the sun sets and kisses the hood of a pollen-stained black Elantra. As I peer down to cycle to the next song, you begin soft-singing its lyrics and dance to the rhythm in your seat.
It is so simplistic, yet, simultaneously fulfills the dopamine rush I have craved relentlessly my entire adulthood. I see innocence in beauty, and beauty in innocence. Here on display is an insatiable appetite for the human experience, topped off by a wink and a nod to the self-awareness that has allowed for a special bond to grow to this point.
This is an intoxicating sight to behold. I carry deep admiration for what has led us here, a moment that would seem innocuous to most eyes, but cherished by mine. It is quickly validated by a smile, that smile, and grabbing my hand as it rests on your lap.
Here, at the stoplight, a spotlight shines from above. And it’s here, at the stoplight, I remind myself to say those three words each and every time we approach it. It’s the space no one can hear us, no matter who surrounds us. It’s just you, me, and the air we breathe.
Go.
It may have been brief. But it was all the incentive I ever needed to relish the red lights.
Now, there is nothing left to stop for.