Check engine! The warning light on the dashboard flashed at me once I started my car. I don’t have time for this, I thought, turning the car off. My youngest daughter was a teacher and I was on my way to do some volunteer work at her school in Vilonia 20 miles away. I didn’t want to be late.
I climbed out of the car and bent over to check for any liquids leaking out. Nothing. Then I looked under the hood and checked the oil. Everything looked normal. I’d just brought the car to the garage a couple days ago. What could be wrong?
I decided to take my chances and head to the school. I’d already wasted enough time trying to find the problem. I figured I could always bring the car back to the garage later in the week. The light flashed insistently at me as I started the car again and pulled out of my driveway.
A few minutes later, a car coming the opposite direction slowed down, headlights flashing. The woman driving it waved one hand out of the window at me. I didn’t recognize her, but I slowed to a stop and rolled down my window.
“Is this the right road to Vilonia?” the woman asked, looking flustered and upset. “I’m meeting a friend there, but I got lost.”
“That’s exactly where I’m going!” I told her. “We’re about 20 miles away, just follow me and I’ll get you there.” The woman smiled and turned her car around. We set off and I guided her through the twisting, country back roads.
As I slowed to a stop at an intersection, the woman behind me honked her horn and shouted, “I can see my friend–she’s parked over there! Thank you so much!” I grinned and waved out the window to her. I was still going to be a little late, but I was glad knowing I had helped her find her way.
I looked down at the dashboard to check the time. Just as I heard the woman drive away, the check engine light blinked off.
