It was a dark, rainy night on a slick highway….
A very cliché but accurate backdrop that begins my creepy story.
Principessa was at crew practice and due to arrive home soon. The rest of the family were at home going about their business in various rooms. Out of the blue, we each heard a sound that was mutually described as eerie. It sounded as if Principessa was crying out in distress. I might have second-guessed my hearing if Peach hadn’t nervously called out, “Did anyone else hear that? It sounded like P. screaming. Is she home?”
No.
Unable to determine another likely source of the mysterious sound, we returned to our individual activities. I hope that wasn’t one of those crazy stories where a person is really in trouble and her loved ones sense it, I thought. All manner of tragic situations ran through my mind. Principesssa was rowing at night on a river in the frigid early spring weather. I offered a fervent prayer for her safety.
When Principessa walked through the door looking unscathed, I greeted her casually. “How was practice?”
“Fine.” she replied, giving no hint of emotion.
“Good, because the weirdest thing happened a half hour ago. We all heard you scream.”
Principessa burst into hysterical tears on the spot and started trembling all over. “I ALMOST GOT KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY A HALF HOUR AGO!!!”
A car had swerved into her lane and nearly pushed her into the guardrail. Principessa skidded off the road but managed to recover without further incident.
Of course we phoned family and friends immediately – some of whom have had similar experiences. Each had his or her own explanation of the event. But none could remove the feeling that a force beyond our human understanding was afoot. One doesn’t have to be spiritual or cosmic or crazy to be awed by the whole affair. Sister-in-law deepened the mystery when she reminded us that this date was Prinicpessa’s deceased grandfather’s birthday. And this year marks the 20th anniversary of his passing. Perhaps his spirit had a hand in her ultimate safety.
Principessa has recently expressed her fear that we will forget her when she goes off to college in a few months. She will be 400 miles from home and worries that her place in the family will become less important. We may have dispelled this concern with our evidence of super-connectedness.
I know one thing for sure: if ever I hear Principessa cry out while she is at college, I will be sending campus police on a manhunt for her.
Chaos & Clarity 