We jump in the van, the sky still dark except for the few stars that sprinkle light. Looking out my window, the street seems to blend in with the foliage. 5:00 AM. The world is asleep for the most part, apart from nurses and a select few little kids that can’t seem to sleep in till a decent hour. My eyes feel heavy but not in a way of drowsiness. I feel at rest. From the back row, I listen to the murmur of voices that are muffled by the sound of the engine. By now, the whole car is asleep except for the driver and passenger. I would go asleep but the warmth of the morning is too inviting to leave. It’s much different than a family road trip. All too familiar with each other’s company, my brother would put his headphones on and be lost in his own world for hours. My mom and dad would be in the front, my dad driving as my mother rested her head upon the window. Every now and then they would babble about the recent family drama or trivial things like where we would stop to eat later. Sometimes, we would play a game. Ben was told to take his headphones out and my mom would ask us a math question. The game was in reality unfair. My brother was a natural at numbers. He rarley studied and yet his mind worked quick to unfold the invisible puzzles. He got every one right as I sat there still pondering the first question. Anyhow, this feels different. This isn’t my family with me in this van but I couldn’t be truthful in saying they are merely friends.