More than a little bit spooky

Standing in our garage, I notice that our car is not only looking like its usual rusty, barely-roadworthy self, but that it's looking like its usual rusty, barely-roadworthy self PLUS bonus bird droppings and a windscreen that's opaque with dust.

As we get in, I say to Geekman, "Sometimes I'm embarrassed by our car."

"Shh!" he says. "It'll hear you! And won't start!"

Then he turns the key, and you know what? Not the slightest engine noise.

But it's okay, because this happened a while ago, and now I know how to fix it. So I'm kind of excited about my chance to try out my new car-fu technique, but also a little bit nervous that it might be something else entirely. Something big and nasty and expensive to repair.

Before I get my chance to show off my awesome car repair skillz, though, Geekman wants to give it another try.

"I'm sorry for what I said, little car," I whisper first. "I'm not really embarrassed to be seen with you. We can go to the supermarket together, and I'll tell everyone that you're with me."

Then Geekman turns the key, and the car starts without any trouble at all.

But I'm going to be sleeping with one eye open for a while, and keeping my ears attuned for the sound of engine noises coming closer and closer up the stairs.