When we first began dating, Laura was always waiting outside of her house. She knew I was coming before I got there. No. I didn’t text her. I didn’t have a ‘cell phone’. Nor did I call and give her an accurate ETA.
She was always ready because she could hear me before I got there. My muffler had a hole in it. I eventually had it patched. And much like my old, blue Mazda 323, it’s like I’ve lived my life with a hole in my muffler. I get noticed and heard even when I don’t want to.
It still happens. I love my truck. And, in purchasing a 30+ year old truck, I knew that I was getting into a relationship with a mechanic rather than a relationship with a bank. Yesterday, while driving to the lake, the muffler fell off. I stopped and threw it into the bed. I’ll reattach it this week.
As I pulled into the campground I encountered my uncle and cousin. The two of them were grinning from ear to ear. That truck of yours… It sounds like it’s missing something. They chuckled just a bit as they spoke.
Yeah, it fell off round about Cottage Cove Road.
I opened the back and pulled out the muffler and tail pipe.
It’s still in good shape though.
After catching up, I went about gathering some logs I cut for fence posts and rails. With a full bed, I needed to used the gas even more. The truck seemed even louder. On the way out, I ran into the pair again. This time they were sitting on the step of the boat shed talking about the changes on the lake.
We knew you were coming. Heard ya long before you got here.
They walked around the truck.
She’s a little low, but not much sag given the load you got in her.
Then my cousin shook his head.
You know, you’re going to be that guy on the highway
I knew what he meant. I was going to be that guy on the highway with the beat up old truck with an underpowered engine slowing everyone down and a no muffler, pissing everyone off.
At this accusation, I smiled and nodded gleefully.
And my uncle?
He laughed.
It suits you and suits the truck. Go be that guy. Someone has to.
I’ve always been a loud engine. With an executive functioning disorder, a missing muffler has been part of my life for a long time. I’ve tried to keep things together with tape and hope, but in reality, it’s an act that never lasts very long.
One day I’ll reattach the muffler to the truck.
For now though?
I’m so fucking happy being that guy.
Vroom vroom.