My role is to concede, placate, defer, but this time I go right, towards Rouen, even though it terrifies me.
Pat White
Which Road?
I am hot and tired but happy, relaxed, enjoying the start of the holiday. I’m driving through France and about to negotiate a complicated junction where motorways cross and merge.
He is sitting beside me, maps open, navigating.
I notice the sign to Rouen, “Look, it’s next right”.
“Straight ahead”.
“I’m sure it said right for Rouen.”
“Straight ahead”, this time more assertive.
If we miss the road here we will be forced down the wrong motorway, miles out of our way. My role is to concede, placate, defer, but this time I go right, towards Rouen, even though it terrifies me.
An angry silence.
Neither of us comments but to me, it marks a turning point.