Part II, A Dip in the Ganges

Like a stillborn metonymy, they stand for a car that no longer...

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A year ago my mechanic told me that I should start looking to replace the Silver Bullet, because entry-level GM cars aren't meant to last more than 100,000 miles, in other words, they are disposable cars.

"I haven't paid it off," I whined in reply.

This car leaks oil! It leaves dark stains on the ground!

"I haven't paid it off," I whined in reply.

The oil eats the engine mount bushings! That is a 180 dollars!

"I haven't paid it off," I whined in reply.

The lower engine mounts are causing the upper engine mounts to wobble!

"I haven't paid it off," I whined in reply.

The wobbly engine is destroying the transmission!

"I haven't paid it off," I whined in reply.

Your transmission is leaking!

"I haven't paid it off," I whined in reply.

The lower radiator hose is leaking again! 50 bucks!

"I haven't paid it off," I whined in reply.
Let it cool off! Pour the water in! Fill the buckets!

The car is overheating! "Could it be the thermostat?" asks the Pater ($35 +new coolant, $20)

"I haven't paid it off," I whined in reply.
Let it cool off! Pour the water in! Fill the buckets!

The car is overheating! The car is overheating! Pull over! Pull over!
Could it be the HEAD GASKET!!!

Sound the death knell! Sound the death knell!

"This car is dead!" exclaims the Pater.
"This car is dead." exclaims the Pater.

With one more payment left and 160,000 miles driven, I call the Salvation Army car donation service. The towman arrives and asks for for three small things; my signature, the title and the keys. I sign the papers, using the top of the trunk of the Silver Bullet as a writing table-- her last service. Her body is clean, a few nicks from minor fender benders, a little parking lot rash, a spot of rust. It would have been nice to do a small ritual, perhaps dipping her in the Ganges, before I turn away.