Oblique Journeys

A young man, clearly of college age, drove cautiously through dark and empty streets. It was a raw, November morning, typical of late fall in New England. The sharp, biting air presaged a winter season about to arrive. Was it here already? So soon? Though a brief episode of unexpected icy rain had ceased, its quick passing had not eased the traveller's concerns about the journey he now contemplated. Large snowflakes were emerging from the blackness above, not a good omen. The going would be slow, impeded both by inclement weather and his own doubts. He should have paid more attention to the weather forecast. The temperature clearly was falling, as was his sense of conviction.