Irrational Fear

(fear of) Driving on Volume 13

There are no real reasons or events to why I am utterly afraid to turn the wheel of my car while the volume is on 13. I don’t have a superstition with number 13 outside of the vehicle. I think that only in the car, the number 13 is bad luck, or in my case, a point of no return. Because of this unusual, irrational fear, I ponder what would happen if I accidentally left it on that volume. Imagine taking a turn and not seeing a deer, or driving down the highway at night and running out of gas, or perhaps trying to tap your brakes and nothing happening. These are the thoughts that float in my head as to what terrible event could happen.

When riding in other cars, I watch the stereo intensely to which volume the music is set on. The number 13 seems to be close to the perfect volume in most cases. Watching closely as my friend turns the dial, I pray for any other number. Then it happens. Volume 13 stares right back at me. I often ask my friend to turn it up or down. One strategy after another is played like a game of chess. My favorites are “turn it down I’m on the phone” and “Oh, this is my favorite song, turn it up.” Sometimes I can incorporate my well thought out strategies but other times I flat out say don’t put it on volume 13 because it’s bad luck. I am not ashamed of my odd fear; it is just, like all people, something I have to live with.