An Obituary

Buzby the Wonder Car entered our lives several years ago, already past his prime. He was a Corolla, created when Corollas were not the height of fashion they are now.

I took occasional trips in Buzby, usually as a passenger. We would drive to the shops, or the movies, and I would be grateful that my sister had a car, even if I didn’t, and that on this occasion I didn’t have to take the bus.

And then, last August, my sister put Buzby’s key into my hands, and told me I’d never have to take the bus again.

I have spent a year driving around in my little beige Corolla. We have moved house together, driven down the freeway listening to the radio at full volume, and stalled at traffic lights more times than I can count. And despite the jarring gears, despite his tendency to sound like a tractor, despite the door that wouldn’t lock properly, I have loved every minute of it. So what if the heater never worked? I wore gloves and a beanie, and laughed at all those heater-using folk around me. And the exhaust fumes pumping directly into my face? A charming idiosyncrasy.

Unfortunately, gentle readers, I regret to inform you that the time has come for my car to be sent to the Great Garage In The Sky. My inconsolable grief will be slightly eased by the new Yaris hatchback (I’M GETTING A NEW CAR!!!) that will arrive this week. But he will be sorely missed.

 

Buzby the Wonder Car, we will always remember you. Farewell.