As I drove higher up the Divis mountains, the dense grey fog settled around me like a cloak. I was cocooned in a cotton wool ball. Shielded from sight and sound of anything in the immediate vicinity. I didn’t feel safe. I was trapped in a world I did not recognise – a world that should have been familiar to me. A road I had traversed a hundred times had become a dangerous, unknown foreign expanse, white lines no longer a safety feature, and once familiar obstacles only darker shades of grey. I was terrified. Alone and terrified. Inching forward at a snails pace, my concentration was intense, my eyes desperately seeking for hidden corners and STOP signs. I asked the ones above to protect me and those below, if they so wished. I promised to be good for the rest of my life if I reached home safely – well, until the end of the week. It was Tuesday now, how hard could it be. Sweetly purring engine, full tank of petrol, I would be fine! And then, there issued forth from my radio, at that moment, the charismatic voice of The King, my saviour in momentous times of stress in my life. The haunting notes of “Love Me Tender” filled the interior of my little car and I was content. Without warning, my radio slowly faded out, my headlights dimmed and all power deserted my automobile. I froze. Confused and very frightened, I eventually came to my senses and attempted to restart the car. No! Again! No! It wasn’t happening. I panicked! Oh No! Please! It wasn’t happening! I really meant good for the rest of my life! Are you listening! Closeted in an alien world! Cut off from outside communication! Wait! Of course! My mobile! Frantically emptying my handbag, I retrieved my lifeline and attempted to call one of my family. No! No signal! I sat there stupefied, my useless phone in my lap and considered my options. I could walk – where – I was on top of a mountain. I could flag a passing car – how – they wouldn’t be able to see me. There was no other option. I had to walk somewhere, dangerous as it might be. My hand was on the car door handle when I heard them. Footsteps! Footsteps heading towards me – directly towards me! My stomach lurched. I felt sick, every muscle in my body tensed, then sagged. Strength left me. Check the doors, the windows! Are they locked! Yes! I huddled deep in the passenger seat, trying to make myself as inconspicuous as possible, until the first window tap caused my body to jerk uncontrollably and my pulses raced. “Hi, Ma’am, “ a disembodied voice drifted into the car. “Are you okay?”Saw your car parked, Ma’am and just wondered.” It was a strange voice, and yet in some way recognizable, sounding so familiar that I almost opened the door. Fortunately reason set in, and in as firm a voice as I could muster, I replied: “Yes, I’m fine, car will start in a moment. Got a little bit flooded. My fault. I’ve rung AA” I lied with bravado. “ If you just open your hood, Ma’am, I could sure take a look. Don’t know much but I’ve been driving that ole truck around quite some time now, so I maybe could help. Don’t be frightened. I’m no danger to you.”
His voice had a melodic overture and for some strange reason I felt I could trust him. “Okay” I agreed, and released the catch of the bonnet. Footsteps sounded again as he walked to the front of the car and I glanced furtively in the rearview mirror to ascertain where his vehicle was. The fog obliterated most of it but I could vaguely discern the shape of a small truck and some of the painted logo – CRO– ELEC—–. My radio blasted into song, startling me, and I swivelled round as once again my car lights blazed and the engine started to purr. I waited for my rescuer to approach the window but I waited in vain. No sound, no footsteps, no truck in my rearview mirror, just a very,very faint singing in the distance, the final notes of “Love Me Tender,” and as I pulled slowly away, I heard that deep, southern twang in my head, the voice I knew and loved so well say: “No problem, Ma’am! My pleasure! Elvis has left the building! Thank you and goodnight!”