Vehicle Upgrades - Short Story (Twisted Tuesdays)

This is a short story; inspired by the movie "Memento".

A young woman tries to learn about inspecting and maintaining the parts of the family car.

March 05

"Hon, why don't you pick up (daughter's name) from the school, today?" he said as he threw the keys. The game was on that day.

February 09

The electrical system change went smoothly.

"Wow. This is some expensive equipment you are installing," said the Technical Manager as he walked towards the female customer.

"I don't understand why someone like you would want a faster car"

The woman in her late 20s was surprised by his voice. She smiled, "Someone like me," before adding, "...actually, this is my husband's car."

September 02

She spent the afternoon at a workshop downtown. The people were friendly.

"Madam, this system change should make the vehicle go from its normal to an average of 75 kmph."

"Thank you" she replied as she playfully kicked the ground with her feet. "How long will it take?"
#### #### ####

She was a little late that night.

"Where were you?"

She flinched instinctively.

August 12 afternoon

"If you don't like the taste of the green biscuits, you shouldn't have bought them" he said.

She laughed, "Ah. It’s more of an experiment."

They were having a picnic. The three of them had reached the spot in their sedan. The door was still open after bringing the lunch basket out.

His naive wife probably didn't even notice the change in the speed. She never noticed the important things – so light headed, he thought.

"Honey, why don't you buy some snacks for later?" he said as he had slowed down the car to a park, and handed her the money. 

"And candy" yelled (daughter) from the backseat.

She came back with three biscuits, two crackers and a brand he'd never seen before. It was green.

August 11

He had been at unease with the way the car was handling that week. It wasn't all bad; it just felt slightly smoother, but he frowned as he almost missed a brake. 

July 30

"Would you like to replace the air bag on the passenger’s side as well?”

“No.” she replied, as she memorized how the adept workers had opened the air bag compartment.

July 12

The native worker was sweating from changing the pipes and carburetor. It was a hot day – she should probably go for ice-cream later. They ate ice-cream on their first date, exactly eight years ago.

The new pipes weren’t cheap. But he wouldn't notice the new, carbonized set.

He never noticed the important things.

January 09

They drove back from the valley. He seemed to be in a bad mood - no, it was just concern for (daughter). She had puked during the journey.

"Could you drive slower?" his wife had asked him from the backseat. (Daughter) moaned from her side. 

"Alright" he said as he slowed the car down. "The turbo engine is behaving---."
#### #### ####

More vomit.

February 25

The doctors were glad to see the woman was still conscious. Thank god for sedan safety features. Sirens blared. The driver – probably her spouse, didn’t make it. 

The injuries included three broken ribs and fractures on her legs and arm. The patient kept insisting on looking at the car. 

The child in the backseat was alright – perhaps that was why the mother kept smiling, despite her loss.

August 12 evening

She smiled at him as they left the river side.

If he drives fast enough, it would not be long before he kills himself.

She thought, light-hearted.

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