It was her fiftieth birthday and he had booked a table.
It was an expensive restaurant, but he wanted her to have the best. He wanted it to be a special evening for her. They were on their way, navigating a winding, unlit country road when it happened. Without warning, a rabbit came bouncing across the road and hit the front of the car. With no other cars around he braked hard. Naturally, she was unnerved by the incident and anxious to find out if the creature had been hurt. He said to stay calm. He said it may only have been clipped; he would check. He got out and walked around the car. He found its mangled body in the road near the back bumper. There couldn’t be any doubt that it was dead.
He didn’t want to spoil the evening for her. A little white lie to avoid upset was reasonable he thought, especially tonight. Acting quickly, he slid the body under the car with his foot, then ran towards the roadside bushes giving the impression that he was watching it scampering away. She sat watching him. Back in the car he said, “Wow! That one was a real survivor.” She patted his arm, saying, “Thank goodness. I’m so glad it’s alright.” They went on their way.
The evening went well and the incident was completely forgotten. Everything was fine until he realised that he really should have taken a different route home. Surely, she’ll see it! There was no going back now, it couldn’t be avoided.
He was wondering how he could distract her when they neared the same stretch of road. As they approached the very spot, an oncoming car was late dipping its headlights before it passed. Then, the mutilated body became plainly visible. The dead animal was just where he left it, but now it was completely flattened.
“That one wasn’t so lucky!” he said.
“It’s so sad. This area must be teeming with them” she said.
He nodded his agreement as he kept driving.
His sigh of relief was barely audible.
