We were on our way to Do Good Day when I heard it. Alexis sat in the back seat, quietly whispering, "Wait for it . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . " over and over, on and on.
I knew exactly what she was doing. I've done it myself pretty much every time I've driven down that road for the past 16 or so years.
We slowed as we entered the Fort Pitt Tunnel and again Alexis said something I too have often uttered. "Why is everybody driving so slow?" she wondered.
It's a fan-freakin-tastic question. I personally have never spotted a 8-armed furry beast that eats cars, but I have heard rumors of a Tunnel Monster that forces Pittsburghers to slam on their brakes the second they enter a tunnel. I resisted the urge to tell the small child that we were driving slow because people are stupid and don't know how to drive and, instead, left the question unanswered.
"Wait for it . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . " she continued.
"Wait for it . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . " she continued to repeat the phrase, her voice dripping with anticipation.
"Wait for it . . . wait for it . . . WAIT FOR IT!" her voice rose with excitement as we neared the tunnel exit.
"PIIIITTTSBURGH!" she screamed as the tunnel opened up into the magnificent view of downtown.
Alexis never tires of that magical Aha! Moment.
Neither do I.