The car looked ridiculous parked next to the trolley store. Yellow, low slung, crimson leather seats open to the dreary sky, an engine that she hadn’t yet learnt to keep in check, revving in attention grabbing roars in traffic jams. She only hoped the supermarket’s cctv might discourage people from performing mischief upon it while she was in yoga.
It had been a silly purchase, but she could hardly run off to Thailand and upset the kids, and she was fairly sure she didn’t have the oomph for an affair with the hot flushes. Besides, she didn’t want to hurt anyone. So she had bought a car. Middle aged woman in a sports car. It was like broadcasting her dissatisfaction in a Morse code of carefully orchestrated revs.
The rain started, inevitably, as soon as she paid for the class. In the end, it felt imbecilic to sit there snorting through alternate nostrils when the interior of the kids’ college fund was getting ruined for want of a button press to restore the roof.
Back in the car, she watched water run down the windshield and didn’t bother crying. She hadn’t for years. What was the point? What was the point in any of this? There had been a time she really thought she would make something of herself. Make a difference. Now she was sitting in a puddle in a grossly impractical car waiting for 3pm. Still, she couldn’t pick the kids up looking like she’d wet herself.
In the supermarket, she chose a towel, some leggings and a sturdy pair of crimson knickers, which was when the thought hit her. Feeling momentarily invincible, she nipped into the fitting room and put her intention into the universe. She would have to master that engine. Superheroes need a fast ride.
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If You Love Me, You'll Do It
I met Jason when I was five years old. I could say that I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was so handsome to me and I felt in awe by his presence. When they introduced him as the new kid in school, I wanted to be his friend right away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember his smile and how he didn't seem shy. He appeared confident and ready to learn. I waved at him and said "hello," before anyone else could even say a word. He sat next to me, and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. He looked so happy as he said, "Yes!"
By Sidney Smith (Sid Smith)7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (15)
Hi Hm - Just have to comment: I've had a drop-top Jaguar for years ~ Vanity Tags 'KLACIK' ~ It is the most impractical car ever - from bonnet to boot: But, I would never part with it. btw; I'm in such awe of all of your marvelous awards. j.bud.in.l.a.
Hahaha I love this take on the challenge!
Another clever take on the superhero/villain challenge! Sometimes we need to be our own.
Very interesting 🤔🤔🤔
"broadcasting her dissatisfaction in a Morse code of carefully orchestrated revs" - I love that line!
Love the idea of an "everyday" superhero, someone willing to save themselves from their circumstance, even if it's not a genuine rescue! Nicely done Hannah!
Great read! Funny and a compelling character too
She's me! Nah, I can't afford that car. But I might already own the knickers. 🤔
This is the way to tackle the midlife crisis! Yay for a sports car and crimson knickers!
Crisis point turned into moment of power. Made me chuckle too.
Make way for Supermom! Hehehhee. Loved your story!
Poignantly captured moment of personal crisis and transformation, Hannah! Love this 💌
Ha! So good! I feel like the crimson knickers wield more power than the sports car!
Women have midlife crises, too? Guess it's as good an excuse as any to buy a hot car and save the world! Another great outside the box epic beginning, Hannah!
Oh, I can so relate to this superhero! Would have never the courage to buy a fancy sports car, though. Great story, Hannah!