12:23 AM

Run Over

On the 101-N to 880-N on-ramp, a white cat darted in front of the white Honda in front of me. The Honda braked and swerved slightly to the right. I assume the driver was trying to avoid the cat, but the shift lined up the car’s tires perfectly with the cat’s neck.

A split-second later, the cat was ejected by the Honda’s left rear wheel. The cat’s face spun around to face me with its body a third of a rotation behind. Its eyes and mouth were open wide like in a lolcat.

Another split-second later, it hit the ground and I swerved around it—at least I hope I swerved enough to avoid it.

I’m trying to play back the event in my mind and all I can remember clearly are three snapshots: the cat darting across the on-ramp, the Honda’s rear wheel flipping the cat into the air, and the cat hitting the pavement afterwards. Everything else is a blur.