“Sorry, Caroline. I’m out of the office today,” I said with my giant iPhone 8 plus covering my tiny ear. My elbow rested on the window of my car to help support the brick in my hand. Gold flecks from the rusting exterior stuck to my elbow. The wind rushed in the open window as I drove to the city, making it hard to hear my co-worker on the other line. “Yeah, okay. Bye.” I put the phone in the back seat, not wanting to see it again on my day off.

What if there was an emergency, though?

Like, if Megan needed me, or there was a problem at the school. Better keep it in my pocket so I can feel it vibrate. At the next red light, I reached back to retrieve my safety net.

Now, a day of relaxation.

Green light.

I’ve been waiting to hit the driving range to relieve some stress. I’ll probably catch a movie after that. Thank you MoviePass. Gotta eat. Probably pizza at Reds. Or did that place shut down? I think my MoviePass will work, right? I did get an email about updated terms and conditions. Probably should have read that. At least I have my own clubs. I hate using the rental clubs.

The range is up past this light.

Yellow.

Red.

Of course.

Now I’m first in line to hit the gas after this light turns green. Wife says not to be first in line, most likely to get hit if someone runs a red light.

There’s a lot of people out today.

Wait a second.

Did that guy in the gold, rusty clunker wave at me as he went by? Who was that?

It kind of looked like that guy I met at book club the other night.

Jason?

Craigery?

No one is named Craigery.

Come on, think.

Was that my dentist?

I did get one of those postcards a month ago that said it’s time for my cleaning. I should probably call and schedule an appointment. My back right molar has been hurting a little.

Gotta floss first.

He was probably being nice. People wave to people for no reason. People who are carefree, right?

Not usually.

Not anymore anyway.

He did look older though.

Maybe he was waving at something on my car. Trying to let me know I have a flat tire or my gas cap is open. Is my headlight out?

It’s daytime. He wouldn’t know that.

I do need to change my oil. Sticker says I’m a week past due. Haven’t hit the miles yet.

Could be an accident up ahead. Or a police officer hiding behind a sign, waiting to catch people speeding.

Oh well, he probably wasn’t waving to me anyway. I’m over it. And, I’m at the range anyway.

Front row!

I pulled in and when I got out and shut my door, it hit me.

I’ve never seen that man before.

Not at book club. Not my dentist.

Tires are fine. Gas can is closed.

No accidents. No police officers.

I haven’t seen that man before. But, I’ve seen that gold clunker.

Because I’m driving it right now.

1998 Plymouth Breeze.

Same car.

That must be why he waved.

What a nice, carefree guy.

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