she asked me once when i was leaving
and i told her
"as soon as the gas is in the tank".
she smiled, but her eyes filled.
with whatever.
i frowned.
i sighed.
i put
my
arm
around her
and i said, "i'm going to save someone's life."
she nodded like she was okay with it,
and i shook her a little.
she looked up at me
whatever streaking down her face
"what if i need saving?"
but the gas was in the tank
and
i couldn't hear her voice
over the engine.