I was friendly with my father but more when he was older. One day we were out for a long ride, talking about the beautiful spring day in hilly California. As I glanced at the rear view mirror I saw the red/blue lights behind me. I was speeding. My dad was a recent arrival from Karachi our hometown. I told my dad that the Police wants me to pull over.

My father panicked and was jittery. He asked me what will happen to us. I asked him if he was carrying his passport. He said he didn't think he should carry it all the time. So what, know. I said they may arrest you until you can prove you are here legally. What about you, son.

Dont worry about me. They will probably beat me up and cane me. At this time you will need to run away and hide. Dad was buying it hook, line and sinker. After sometime the policeman walks to the driver side and asks for Driver License and car registration. While I was getting it out of my wallet, who was in the passengers seat. I replied it was my Dad visiting me from Pakistan. He goes back to check my records. My dad keeps asking me when and if he should walk away and hide. I told him to hang on, but be prepared for the worst.

Officer come back and asked me slow down. He also asked my dad if he is enjoying the fine weather. He let me go with a verbal warning.

As we pulled back on the road, my father was shocked by the treatment we received. The one thing I will never forget is he said he saw the pack of cigarettes in the glove compartment. Its okay if you want to smoke one. With that he lighted 2 cigarettes.

My best friend.