Apollo's Prophecy: Immortal Love, #1

By Amy Sousa

Danika Warren's very average life is thrown into chaos after being gifted the trip of a lifetime as her graduation present; a summer-long trip to Greece. Danika not only gets to travel all over Greece, fulfilling her life-long dream, but she will also earn her first university credits while taking a Greek mythology course that goes hand-in-hand with her travels.

 

Danika knows it will be the trip of a lifetime, especially after meeting her mysterious and sexy professor, Dr. Evantin, who looks at her differently. Little does she know that he has a big secret that will change her life forever. If there's one thing Danika will take away from the course, it's that the myths she grew up learning about aren't as far from reality as she once believed them to be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amy Sousa
• Release date: May 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781988902609

Amy Sousa

Amy is a Canadian author, originally from Brazil, who has been creating stories since she was in kindergarten. Young-Adult Fantasy is her favourite genre to read and write, but she has dabbled in Teen-Fiction in the past. Amy started posting her stories online as a pre-teen and became more serious after discovering Wattpad (@amysousa), where she has accumulated millions of reads across her stories. Her other hobbies include Greek mythology, baking, sewing and petting dogs. For new releases and Amy Sousa's other works, visit: shorturl.at/auxDU

Book preview

Prologue

Iwas once a regular mortal. At least I thought I was. I suppose I should tell you a bit about who I was before I found out that my entire existence was a lie. My name is Danika Warren and I was pretty much as average as any other eighteen-year-old Canadian girl my age could get. I considered myself an extroverted introvert; capable of having fun while out with friends, but would almost always choose to stay at home on my own. Like most people I know, I loved reading, but I stuck to fantasy—specifically Greek mythology. The only thing I can add that is somewhat unique is that I enjoyed drawing in my spare time, and I’d like to think I was pretty good at it. I lived in a very basic suburban house in Oakville, Ontario. If you don’t know where it’s located—because most people don’t—it’s very close to Toronto. I lived there with both my parents and the family cat, Sneakers, who only ever seemed to show up for food. If you haven’t noticed yet, I easily get lost in my thoughts and ramble on a lot.

The only thing that differentiated me from the rest of my classmates—and every student in the history of the world aside from Harry Potter—is that I was not excited about the school year coming to an end. That and I’m attracted to both men and women and my parents weren’t the least bit upset or bothered by it, even when I introduced them to my girlfriend at the time.

It was the first summer in years that I didn’t have a job. With University starting soon, my parents convinced me to enjoy my first summer as a single adult considering I’d immediately be jumping into another four years at an educational institution. I thought I was going to be bored out of my mind with my few friends working full-time jobs. I’d just graduated high school and had recently broken up with my girlfriend so there wasn’t a lot to do at home aside from drawing and shopping and I hate shopping.

I was convinced my summer was going to suck, but my parents came through and surprised me with my dream trip to Greece! Of course, it’s not just a trip where I can enjoy myself; my parents aren’t that nice, but I wasn’t going to complain about it. The trip would consist of a summer-length course that would replace two first-year electives, but that wasn’t even the best part. It turns out my parents weren’t oblivious to my love of mythology. The dozens of books I’d left lying around the house helped them come up with the plan and they successfully enrolled me in a first-year mythology course. Upon successful completion, the course would give me six credits, which replaced the full-year course I’d already planned on taking at school since it focuses almost entirely on Greek mythology, with bits of Roman mythology sprinkled in. This course would allow me to travel through all of Greece while visiting all of the mythology-related locations I’d been dreaming of for years.

The summer suddenly looked very appealing, even though I’d be setting across the world all alone. I had a feeling the trip would change my life forever, especially after meeting my professor, Dr. Evantin, the mysterious and handsome man who looked at me as if he’d known me my entire life. I thought the trip would help me prepare for the real world, but man was I wrong. The real world is actually very different from what I was raised to believe—what everyone was raised to believe. The real world shouldn’t even exist according to science. Dr. Evantin shouldn’t exist. Heck, I shouldn’t exist.

My new life truly began the moment I decided to take a shortcut home from a class dinner. I hadn’t thought twice about it and never would’ve assumed that one simple decision would change my future. While nothing is what it seems, I learned that everything truly does happen for a reason. That was the summer I learned about fate.

Chapter One

Danika arrived in Athens late at night and was slightly disappointed she hadn’t landed before sunset. The small white bus waited for the last group of students in the taxi pickup area. A majority of the students would have already arrived a few days earlier, but the tickets were cheaper for this night and Danika knew it wasn’t fair to make her parents pay extra money so she could have more time to smoothly adjust to the timezone.

Lugging her pink suitcases behind her, Danika made her way onto the bus that thankfully had an English sign on it. It is a course taught in English after all, she thought before smiling at the older gentleman who was sitting on the bus steps.

Hello, I’m Danika Warren. Is there somewhere I can store these or do I just bring them onto the bus with me? she motioned to her luggage. The bus was empty so she didn’t mind carrying them up.

For a moment, the man looked at her as if he had just seen a ghost. His eyes watched her as he appeared to be contemplating something, but quickly shook his head and smiled. I can help you with that. His accent was very easy to understand. The others were supposed to arrive a few hours ago, but their plane was delayed so they only landed recently.

Danika nodded and smiled at him as he carefully put her luggage away in the storage compartment of the bus.

Oh, how silly of me to forget to introduce myself! My name is Harold. My last name is much too hard for anyone to pronounce so I won’t bother with that, the driver explained.

Well it’s very nice to meet you, Harold, Danika greeted with her best smile before shaking his outstretched hand. She marvelled at his bulging muscles. He looked very strong for his age.

They’re still here! A girl’s voice sounded from behind the new acquaintances, making them turn.

I told you we’d be fine, the boy spoke as they jogged toward the bus with their luggage. He shared several features with the girl, including her green eyes, nose and mouth, but his skin was lighter, lacked freckles and his hair was much straighter.

You must be Julie and Marcus, Harold said with a warm smile. The pair smiled back and nodded, unable to speak as they worked to catch their breath. I’m Harold, your bus driver for the summer. Let me put your bags under the bus and we can head over to the hotel you’ll be staying at for the time being.

Danika smiled at the duo. Hi, I’m Danika, she introduced herself, sticking out her hand.

I’m Julie and this is my twin brother Marcus, the girl responded, her accent becoming more obvious now that she wasn’t running, though she was still breathing heavily.

Are you from New Zealand? Danika asked.

The twins looked surprised.

Finally someone guesses right instead of assuming we’re Aussies, Marcus replied, sounding far less breathless than Julie. You know we’re better at rugby? We just beat them for the cup.

Danika laughed and the trio made their way into the bus, sitting near the front so they could get to know each other and keep Harold company.

Danika frantically ran through the small streets with a map in her left hand. The add-on for her cellphone plan that would allow her to call her parents every now had practically cost an arm and a leg, so data was a luxury she couldn’t afford.

Excuse me, she called out before dodging an old woman who looked mildly horrified. Danika had struggled with the water in the shower. Turning it a fraction of a centimetre seemed to make the water go from Antarctica to the depths of Tartarus. She still would’ve been on time even with the eventful shower, but accidentally went the wrong way for an entire five minutes before figuring out that she was instead walking away from the Aegean Sea. I’m literally running late for my first day of class.

This is what you get for not listening to Julie, Danika cursed herself as she rounded another corner. Julie had suggested waiting to take a shower later in the day before the class did a tour, but Danika insisted that it wouldn’t take long and that Julie and Marcus should go ahead on their own. Stupid stupid stu— she was cut off when she crashed into something hard and fell back a few steps.

It took a second for Danika to realize that what she crashed into was not a what, but a who when the man tried to stabilize her by holding onto her shoulders.

"Oh my gosh I’m so sorry!" she apologized before looking up at his face. Damn, he’s hot, she thought as the man looked at her with a dazed expression. Danika raised an eyebrow in question.

The man blinked a few times. That’s all right, he said and turned at the sound of laughter.

Danika! We thought you’d never make it. Julie’s voice rang from inside the building.

Danika analyzed it, realizing that it was the classroom.

Danika? the man said before quickly clearing his throat. Ah, Danika Warren. You made it just in time for class. I thought I’d start a bit late just to be safe and it looks like it was the right call. Please find a seat inside.

Danika’s eyes widened. Shit. That’s my prof. She scurried over to the empty seat next to Marcus before pulling out her notebook and pen.

Hello, class. My name is Dr. Evantin and I’m going to be your classics professor for the summer term. I know some of you are only here for half of the term, which equates to one full-term course. Those of you who are here for the entire summer will receive a full year’s credit, which is equivalent to two courses at your universities. You will also briefly be touching on Roman mythology in the second half of this course. I know most of you care more about Greek mythology so I always keep that in the first half and ensure it’s the main focus.

Julie leaned over, drawing Danika and Marcus’ attention to the note she’d written on her paper. Always keep? How old is this guy? He looks like he’s in his twenties.

Danika had to agree. Dr. Evantin looked no older than twenty-five. Especially not with his tan and muscular body. She quickly scribbled a response in her notebook, making sure the professor wasn’t watching.

Now I’m sure most professors would do some type of exercise to have you get to know each other, but you’re all living close to one another so I know you’ll do that in your own time and while we’re out doing educational tours. Instead, I want to start the class with a simple question about the gods.

Danika sighed. He’s probably going to ask who our favourite god is or get us to name the Olympians, she thought.

I’m very curious to learn who your least favourite god is, Dr. Evantin announced. Let’s stick to the popular ones to make it easy.

Some of the students began chattering before he started picking them at random. Danika thought about her answer as he walked around the room collecting answers from the students. Most said Hades, with a few saying Dionysus or Hera.

What about you, Danika?

Danika straightened her back and peered into Dr. Evantin’s blue eyes before answering. Ares.

The professor looked surprised. Interesting. Why didn’t you pick Hades like most of the other students?

Danika nervously looked around the room and noticed a few students looking her way with curiosity in their eyes. She ignored their stares and focused her attention back on the professor.

Well, for starters, what has he done, other than the kidnapping of Persephone? I mean that would be terrible, but I have found a few versions where she was perfectly willing and in love with him. Just because he’s the God of the Underworld doesn’t mean he’s evil. There are plenty of evil humans on earth and Zeus looks over them just like how good spirits are living in the underworld.

The professor studied Danika quietly. She felt like melting under his intense gaze not only because she found him attractive, but because he was intimidating. Very interesting indeed. Of course, there’s no way of knowing for sure which version is most accurate, Dr. Evantin smirked. They’re very old stories from a religion that is practically non-existent, but the story has certainly changed over thousands of years, so it is enjoyable to explore other possibilities. He abruptly turned around, walking toward the front of the class again.

Danika let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. He never once broke eye contact with her during his explanation.

Well then, Dr. Evantin said and clapped his hands together. The sound echoed off the walls and he immediately gained everyone’s attention. Since this was more of an introductory class, I say we cut it short and explore the surrounding area. I know some of you only just arrived yesterday and haven’t had the chance to look around.

Chatter began once again as the students packed up their bags.

Dr. Evantin, still leaning against his desk, focused on Danika once again. Athens is very beautiful and you’ll get to know it very well this summer.

Danika smiled at him before collecting her things. She was beginning to feel giddy at the opportunity to explore most of Greece throughout the summer. Athens was only the first stop. The class would spend anywhere from a few days to a few weeks in each location learning all about the relevant myths while writing travel essays that relate to the course. They would be in Athens for the first week and then they’d be moving on.

Dr. Evantin would be acting as the tour guide along with Harold, the driver Danika had met the night before. The actual order of locations was a surprise for the most part, but she knew with certainty that they were both starting and ending in Athens.

When Julie and Marcus stood up, Danika snapped out of her thoughts.

Geez you’re daydreaming a lot for the first day of class, Julie joked.

Danika stuck her tongue out playfully. I swear it’s the shower’s fault. It has it out for me, she joked as the three walked out of the classroom. Before letting the door close behind her, Danika felt the urge to turn around and caught Dr. Evantin watching her with his mysterious gaze once again. She didn’t realize that she’d stopped walking until he quickly shook his head and gave her a curt nod before looking away.

Danika quickly caught up with Julie and Marcus and tried to forget about what had just happened. It was probably nothing.

Chapter Two

Danika knew she was already falling in love. Athens had been completely enchanting and it was only the beginning of exploring the city. The day itself was beautiful with the sun shining, making the bright blue of the cloudless skies and the greens of the grass and trees appear photoshopped. The weather was hot, but not uncomfortable, which made walking around the city more enjoyable. It was perfect.

The day started with an enchanted forest tour, which taught the class all about the different Greek plants and trees. Danika was amused that she recognized some of the names from the stories she had read, but she loved learning in a hands-on manner. She had to stop herself from answering all of the questions that were directed at the students. I don’t want them to think I’m a brown-noser. In reality, she just didn’t want her classmates to think she was lame. No one would be as excited about looking at trees.

The class then visited the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which almost made Danika cry from overwhelming happiness. I can’t believe I’m actually here, she thought when it finally set in that she was really in Greece. She felt a bit silly considering the temple was in ruins with nothing on the inside, but knowing it was built thousands of years ago amazed her.

What excited her most was the fact that she’d be going to the Acropolis in a few days from where she could see this temple. Finally seeing the beautiful architecture in person instead of from photos online made her feel complete for a short amount of time. She almost felt as if she truly belonged.

Dr. Evantin told a mythological story every time they visited an attraction, but Danika had already heard them all. They were resting near a fountain when she noticed a laurel tree in the middle of the garden. It stood out to her and made her feel oddly happy, so she pulled out her phone and took a picture. She had packed several memory sticks with her to save all of her photos just to be safe. She wouldn’t be back in Greece for a very long time, if ever, and she certainly wouldn’t be repeating the same tours.

Dr. Evantin announced that the class would be heading back for the day. Harold was waiting at the bus and his smile seemed to widen when Danika walked inside. She noticed his special smile but figured it was because she spoke with him the most, which likely made her his favourite student.

Once she sat down, Danika and her favourite Kiwi twins discussed what they were planning on eating for dinner when they arrived back at the hotel. Deep inside she wanted to rest as a headache was forming, but she didn’t want to hide away from her new friends. It’ll pass, she thought. I just need to hydrate.

The next day wasn’t nearly as fun for Danika. Not only was she back in the classroom instead of exploring Athens, but her headache had not gone away. Instead, it had formed into a migraine. Danika knew she wasn’t paying enough attention to the class in the few hours that had gone by. Dr. Evantin was still telling the myths of the most important Olympians so she wasn’t too worried—she knew them well.

When the time came for the class to take a break, Danika relocated to the corner and pulled out her sketchbook. Julie and Marcus decided to grab a snack at a nearby store, but Danika didn’t want to move around too much. She also wanted to avoid the chatter of the other students, so she also popped her earphones in, not to listen to music, but to help mute some of the voices.

At first, she wasn’t sure what to draw, but Danika quickly remembered the pictures she had taken the day before. After scrolling through her camera roll she decided to start with something simple and draw the laurel tree. Danika quickly got lost in her sketching and worked on perfecting every detail. She became so invested in the drawing that she didn’t notice that Dr. Evantin had walked over and was looking at her work with such intensity it could’ve made the paper scurry away.

Miss Warren, the professor spoke, trying to get her attention.

Danika was lost in her own world and didn’t register that she was being spoken to.

Dr. Evantin stood in the same place for a few moments before grabbing a chair and sitting down right in front of her.

Danika jumped slightly and winced at the pain in her head before she pulled out her headphones. Sorry, she apologized sheepishly. These block out a lot of noise and I guess I got really into the drawing, she explained, her cheeks warming up. Don’t you dare blush because of him, she scolded in her mind. He’s your professor, not a celebrity. Danika attempted to dismiss her thoughts as she awkwardly smiled at him.

The semblance of a smile was on Dr. Evantin’s face. No no, that’s ok. I was just wondering if you were feeling all right. You’ve secluded yourself from everyone when you usually stick with your friends.

Danika was surprised at how genuinely worried Dr. Evantin appeared. Oh, yeah... that. I have an annoying headache today. Talking a lot makes it worse so I just wanted to draw instead, she admitted. Her eyes widened not even a second later when her brain processed what she’d said. Not that you’re making it worse. I’m just trying to make it go away and this usually—

Dr. Evantin held up his finger, which made her stop talking. Don’t worry. I completely understand. He glanced at her picture again. I like your drawing. The laurel tree looks very accurate. Let me know if you need to be let off early to rest, he said with concern.

Danika swallowed. Uh ok. Thank you for the compliment and the headache. Wait. Not for the headache since you didn’t give that to me nor would I be thanking you for that. I meant for the concern. I mean... ugh never mind. Stop it you blabbering fool! Danika could feel her face growing pinker.

Very well, Dr. Evantin said before standing up and awkwardly moving back to his desk.

Idiot, Danika scolded herself, holding back the urge to slam her head on the table.

Soon after the break came to an end and class continued. Danika kept her headphones out, but she continued outlining the drawing, hoping to colour it in when she got back to Canada and had access to her favourite coloured pencils. After another hour, the class was finally coming to an end.

Let’s go get you some pills for that headache, Julie announced as the class packed up their supplies. Danika smiled up at her gratefully.

Marcus frowned. I wouldn’t be able to pay any attention with one that bad. I’m sure we can find some Advil or Tylenol.

The trio made their way out of the classroom when Danika felt eyes on her again. He’s probably not looking, she told herself, but she wasn’t so sure it was true. She battled herself with whether she should turn around to check if her professor was staring, but in the end, restrained herself and left the building.

Danika was thankful that the hotel room had an electric burner. Not only was it convenient, but she wouldn’t need to waste excess money eating out. While browsing for painkillers, the trio agreed to eating in and split the cost for some rice and meat. Marcus cooked dinner after they’d decided to rotate, but secretly Danika wished he’d always cook. He somehow made the chicken taste amazing with the limited seasonings that were available in the cupboard.

There was reading homework for the night, but Danika had already read that particular version of the myth, so she couldn’t be bothered straining her eyes any further. While the twins studied, she decided to take a warm shower to try and relax. She glared at the shower, hoping it would fear wronging her again, and finally built up enough courage to step inside.

Thank God this thing is cooperating, Danika thought several times during the shower. After drying off, she felt chilled and put on her warmer pyjamas. Of course, I would need flannel PJs in Greece. Danika was always cold, but it was nearly forty degrees Celsius outside. She figured it was her headache making her body react in strange ways and decided she was going to need to take a few pills.

Once the twins completed the assigned readings they, went to bed. They wanted to eat out for breakfast in the morning, but Danika decided she’d settle just fine for a bagel. She was embarrassed that the real reason was that she couldn’t afford to eat out when there was free food available, but she knew complaining would be selfish considering most people wouldn’t be given the unique opportunity to go to Greece to study.

Goodnight, Danika told her new friends before she turned off the lights and quickly climbed into bed. The day hadn’t been eventful, but the headache was putting a toll on her. She carefully downed a few pills and prayed that she’d wake up feeling like a brand new person. Danika closed her eyes and tried envisioning happy things, but the only thing, rather, the only face that kept appearing was her attractive professor and his deep, mysterious blue eyes.

Chapter Three

Danika cursed the moment she woke up. She was feeling even worse than the previous day. I better not feel like shit again tomorrow , she worried considering they’d be going to the Acropolis. What made matters worse was that Danika spent all night dreaming of her professor. Some dreams were so inappropriate she wouldn’t dare describe them to even her closest friend. It’s the stupid side effects of the pills, she tried convincing herself, not necessarily believing it.

The moment Danika sat up her hand flew to the back of her neck. Ouch. She cringed at the pain. Wonderful, she groaned. The shitty pillow has it out for me too. She’d almost forgotten that the twins were out for breakfast and enjoyed the silence as she prepared her breakfast. Thankfully the cream cheese spread on the warm bagel easily enough.

Danika forced herself to finish the entire bagel, despite not feeling very hungry, knowing the class was going out to dinner that night. You’ll be thankful later, she told herself as she rinsed off her plate. Lunch would consist mainly of cheese and crackers so she knew it wouldn’t be all that filling.

The walk to school was interesting. Danika was clumsy by nature, but when her vision blurred she nearly hit a wall head-on. This is just ridiculous, she thought as she dragged herself the rest of the way to school.

When she approached the classroom door, Danika realized that she miraculously arrived a few minutes early when it wouldn’t open. Are you kidding me? she muttered before she heard a masculine cough from behind her. Dr. Evantin was standing right behind her with an amused expression on his face.

You’re supposed to pull the door open.

It was enough for Danika to wish the earth would open up and swallow her whole. Right. Sorry about that. I’m not usually early, she explained quietly before walking into the room. The professor sat down at his desk and spread out his papers while Danika unpacked her notebook.

You managed to make it here before us! Marcus exclaimed after walking through the door.

Danika laughed at his surprised expression before his sister followed behind.

Well she did eat at home today, Julie put in.

Hey! Danika protested, which made Julie stick her tongue out at her.

I’m just kidding. How’s the headache?

Danika frowned and sighed. Worse. Hopefully, it’ll be gone by tomorrow. I don’t want to feel crappy for the Acropolis.

The twins nodded and unpacked their things.

The rest of the class seemed to have arrived all at once and quickly set up their things. Danika was ready to start writing away, hoping that the lesson would distract her from the pain.

Danika’s plan of distracting the pain away definitely wasn’t working. Dr. Evantin was talking about Athena and how she’d sprung from the head of Zeus, her father. Maybe someone is trying to spring from my head. It would explain a lot. She silently scolded herself for making sarcastic jokes. I need to stop talking to myself.

When break time arrived, Danika decided against moving away from her friends. Instead, she quietly spoke with them while rubbing her sore neck.

Are you feeling all right, Miss Warren? Dr. Evantin spoke.

Danika quickly nodded and winced in the throbbing pain that shot through her head. Y-yes. I think I slept in a weird position. It’s just my head that’s still hurting, she quietly explained. She couldn’t help, but notice the small smirk Julie had on her face.

If you say so. I recommend wearing sunglasses on your way to class. The sun is more intense on this side of the globe, Dr. Evantin explained before walking around to another side of the room.

Danika frowned and turned to Julie and Marcus, who now both had smirks. What? she snapped.

"You totally have the hots for him," Marcus said.

What? No way. Are you crazy? Danika whispered the last part.

Julie laughed at her. "There’s no denying it. Everyone thinks he’s hot. Even Marcus."

Danika’s eyebrow rose. I thought you were straight?

Marcus shrugged. "I am and my girlfriend will back me up on that, but I won’t lie. He is very attractive."

Danika huffed. Not how that works, but sure. He’s attractive, but I’m not into him or anything. That’d be weird and completely inappropriate. Yet you dream of him doing inappropriate things to you. Shut up! Danika scolded herself quietly enough to avoid her friends hearing her before sinking into her chair.

By the time class was over, Danika was feeling drained yet again. She would’ve loved nothing more than to go straight back to the hotel to sleep, but it was a class dinner night and she wasn’t about to skip something that was already paid for. The course included several dinners at different restaurants that would allow the students to try different types of Greek food.

The dinner lasted for two miserable hours that felt much longer. Danika had no appetite, but she forced the food down and smiled at the waiters so they wouldn’t think that she hated it. She was sure the food was delicious, but her head was preventing her from enjoying any of it. It certainly looked amazing.

A few of her classmates ordered alcohol, but Danika was glad it wasn’t included in the meal. She knew her friends would pressure her into drinking if it was, but that wouldn’t exactly help with her pain. That and she was a lightweight and didn’t want to do anything weird. Especially not in front of Dr. Evantin. Danika noticed that her neck was feeling a bit better and hoped it meant that she would be good as new for the next day.

When it was finally time to head home, Danika stood up and her vision immediately blurred. She stumbled, almost falling over, but thankfully Marcus caught her arm and stabilized her.

Whoa. Are you ok? Marcus looked very concerned.

Danika slowly opened her eyes and smiled. Thank you, she told him and widened her smile. I think I stood up a bit too quickly. She knew it wasn’t true considering something very similar had happened when she almost crashed into a wall that morning.

Are you sure you’re all right? Julie piped up.

Danika nodded, forcing herself not to react to the pain. The hotel is nearby so go ahead without me. I’m just going to go to the washroom. Girl stuff. I might take a while, she lied to her friends, again.

Marcus cringed and stuck out his tongue, making Julie smack him on the head. They both gave Danika an understanding look.

We’ll see you back at the room, Julie said before pushing her brother through the doors.

Danika sighed in relief and waited for the rest of her classmates to leave. When everyone was out of the restaurant she realized she hadn’t seen when her professor went home. He probably went to see his girlfriend, she thought and hated herself for feeling jealous. He’s your teacher! He’s supposed to be gross.

When she was inside the washroom, Danika immediately turned the cold water on and splashed it onto her face. She couldn’t care less if her mascara was giving her raccoon eyes. She just wanted to make it home without hitting any