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The Green Car
I have always loved cars. I drew pictures of the latest models. I owned a car that appeared to have come from outer space. The bottom rested on the ground and it had one very large headlight. Parallel parking was no problem and it never rusted. This was not my first. My first car was a 3-wheel tricycle. I guided the handlebar steering wheel on dirt roads and asphalt driveways, stopping at sidewalk intersections; obeying imaginary signals and keeping my car clean.
I had several cars. There were outdoor cars, but my favorite was a green and black indoor model. It was a fountain pen. I parallel parked it between boxes and cups and saucers and made tracks for it on quilts and bedspreads. It was gorgeous.
Our family car was a 1938 Chevy whose battery was under the passenger side's front floor board. It would get "simonized" periodically, which means gussied up and shiny. It was your standard 1938 car color - black with round moulded front fenders. Following my Dad around made it impossible not to listen to "car talk". The clutch had to be depressed as you turned the ignition key. Changing tires was fun to watch. An inner tire tube had to be removed and placed in a tub of water and stuff like that.
One day out on the road, a stroke jerked daddy's head backward. We were far from home. I climbed up to the front seat, put my foot on the clutch and the gas petal and got us off the road. Several people came to help. One man who took over the driver's seat, had a hard time starting the engine. My father was conscious but his slurred speech was giving unclear advice. With shouts of "how to start the car" swirling around, I pointed to the left black pedal, the clutch, and said to him, try that and the key together." It worked and he drove us on home. As he got ready to leave us in good hands, he looked down at me and whispered, "Thanks Young lady. You certainly know your car." 
P.S. My current car collection is NOT for sale.
THE END
Beverly Buchanan 

Transcription Notes:
Image of a handdrawn bicycle with the words, "My First Car" written on the lefthand side.