Nothing Around Them
As darkness descended, the cool night breeze blew around them. It was a long way from the city, and there were trees and shrubs all around. The area was deserted, and very few people come this way.
When he turned around, he discovered the man had passed out in the backseat. He didn't respond at all. He now held the man's life in his hands.
Living His Best Life
Cody made his living by being a driver in the city of Chicago. He tried to excel at school while still making ends meet with his job. He had done various jobs over the years but driving in the city was by far his favorite job.
Cody majored in architecture, and seeing the beautiful skyscrapers in the city meant something to him. It was his driving career that led him to meet a person he'd always dreamed of meeting.
Deepest Desire
Cody was raised by his mother in a town called Printers Row. His mother was a strong woman and took good care of him. He unfortunately never met his father.
Cody yearned for several things, one of which was to sit with his father and have a long overdue conversation. As a kid, he'd watched his buddies and their fathers playing basketball and he was envious. Cody, now twenty, wanted to travel around the city with his father more than anything in the world.
Life-Changing
There was nothing out of the ordinary about that Monday night. As soon as Cody finished his classes for the day, he dashed home to shower and change. He got into his car and drove straight into the city, ready for a night filled with promises.
The night wasn't as busy, but Monday nights normally aren't. Cody was just about to finish up for the night when he received another driving request. A passenger required transportation to a location outside of the city. Cody agreed, oblivious to the fact that his life was about to transform.
Meeting Each Other
Cody pulled up at a movie theater and was greeted by an elderly gentleman. His voice was a soothing rumble as he greeted Cody. They were on their way to their destination when Cody returned the greeting. He seemed like a kind man.
Halfway to the destination, however, the man began coughing uncontrollably. He begged Cody to stop the car but out of nowhere, he started convulsing. Cody had no idea what was happening.
What Was Happening
Cody was surrounded by darkness as he parked on the side of the road. “Hey, mister,” Cody said. However, he received no response. Was his passenger busy having some sort of attack?
Cody was puzzled by what was happening but he acted immediately. He ran towards the back of his car and he discovered the man twitching before he stopped moving.
Thinking On His Feet
Cody had no time to sit and question what was going on. He put the man flat on the seat so that he could lay on his back.
Cody was not trained on what to do when someone passes out, but he tried his best. Cody took a step back and pushed a finger against the man's throat.
Realization
He could not find the stranger's pulse. "No!" Cody yelled. He looked at the section of road that connected them to the city. There was no way that Cody could get the man to a hospital in time.
He thought of calling someone. He told at his phone, "Call 911," and dashed over to the man as it rang. Cody reached into the man's sleeve and pressed his thumb against his wrist. What he discovered next made his heart skip a beat.
He Is Still Alive
Cody felt the man's pulse come back, despite it being weak. This confirmed that the man was still alive. Cody needed to do something fast, as he did not know how much time he had.
He positioned the man on his back and pleaded with his own heart to slow down its beating. With difficulty in his lungs, he inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. All he could do was hope that it would work.
Doing What's Needed
Cody touched the man's chest with his palm. His hand was shaking, and he felt as if the world was collapsing around him. He inhaled deeply once more, allowing his mind to relax. "All right," he grumbled, putting his other hand on top of the other.
“Breathe with me,” he calmly instructed the elderly man. And then he started to push.
Breathe With Me
Cody squared his shoulders and pressed his hands down. “One,” he counted. “Two, three.” After a few pumps, he lifted the man’s chin and breathed air into him.
“Come on,” Cody cried, compressing again. “Breathe,” he said unto himself, fear bubbling through his veins. He was unsure of what he was doing, but he wouldn’t doubt himself now. Would the man make it?
Come On
Cody was about to repeat the third stretch of compressions when the man surged with life. He coughed, and Cody hugged him tightly. His eyes smarted with tears, and his whole body shook.
“It’s alright,” the man said. He seemed shaken as well. “What is your name?” he croaked. “Cody Halpert. We need to get you to a hospital first,” Cody answered. “Cody Halpert?” the man froze.
He Knows Him
“Yes,” Cody answered as he helped the man with his seatbelt. He hurried over to his seat and strapped in as well, turning the car around.
“I know a Cody Halpert,” the man smiled at the back. “He’s about your age, studying to be an architect, I’m told. He has no idea how proud of him I am.” Cody swung around, seeing something. How could he have missed it before?
A Chance Meeting
A gasp left Cody’s mouth. He reached out for his wallet on the dash, pulling out a picture of his dad and mom from twenty years before.
“What are the odds?” he asked, tears flooding his sight. “What are the odds?” the man said as well, his tears dammed by his eyelashes. “Please tell me you're studying to be an architect.”
Ride Of A Lifetime
“I am,” Cody breathed. “I really am. Dad?” The man rubbed a hand down his face disbelievingly. “Yes, oh, Cody.”
Cody braked the car and invited his dad to the front. He’d always dreamt of sharing a car ride with him, of telling him about his dreams and fears. Life was finally giving him the ride of a lifetime.