I ran over a squirrel once.Blinking open my eyes, I drew back as far as she'd let me.What?I ran over a squirrel the second time I ever drove a car, she repeated. I also hit a deer. And when I was seventeen, I clipped a cat. Before I left for college, I backed into a dog.Gods, I muttered.
In "The Return" by Jennifer L. Armentrout, the narrator recounts a series of unfortunate incidents while learning to drive. They express shock at the constant casualties involving animals, which serves to highlight the young driver's clumsiness and lack of experience on the road. Each encounter with a different animal adds a layer of dark humor and builds a relatable narrative about the awkwardness of teen driving.
The recounting of these accidents illustrates a rite of passage where the protagonist navigates the difficulties of growing up, foreshadowing the challenges they might face beyond just driving. The blend of humor and misfortune sets the tone for a story that likely delves into more complex themes as it progresses.
