"Ma" Comes In From the Cold

The day was quite cold,
The car would not start,
I had to walk down
To the gas station-mart...
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So, it was a balmy 6 degrees outside, and someone had to walk a few blocks to buy starter fluid.

"Now, this comes in an aerosol can and says, 'Starting Fluid?'"
"It's start-er fluid."
"Ok. Start-er fluid. Got it."

It didn't seem too cold, at first. But when I reached the closest gasoline station, (4 blocks)
they did not have the item. The next place was five more blocks. But that was alright. I had an extra sweater on. And so I trudged my way past St. Mary's hospital, and on past McDonald's. It was here that my nose started to water. Well, as I always say, that's why God invented gloves.

I stumbled into the warmth of the gas station/mini mart. "It's OK! I'm alright!" *cough, cough*
(weird glances from proprietors) I made my way to the car accessories aisle. Hmmm, starter fluid, starter fluid..... I couldn't find it. But I did see a can of start-ing fluid. *smirk*

I made my purchase, and asked the saleslady for a sack. "Our car wouldn't start, and I had to walk here....." "Here ya go. Try something, and if that doesn't work, try something else."

Immortal words to live by. So simple, and yet so un-profound. I only hoped I could remember them on the way back, in order to write them into the annals of my cheap spiral notebook.

I clutched the can of starter fluid under my arm to keep it warm. No sense in both of us succumbing to the cold. I was vaguely aware that my package resembled a Nip O' Gin, a Fifth of Vermouth, or the really hard stuff, Sparkling Cider. My stumbling gait did not help my appearance. But when have I ever cared what people thought? (most of the time, actually)

It was now that I discovered why it hadn't seemed so bad starting out. The wind had been at my back, and was now against me. No matter! Brave little soldiers must press on! *sound of plodding feet* Was it my imagination? Or was The Transplant house getting farther away? I could no longer feel my legs, but still I labored on.

"Must keep moving.... must keep moving....." *gasp* I set my sights on the small white sign ahead, "Gift of Life Transplant House. I kept it as my bearing.....but wait, it was not the right sign! My iced over brain had played a cold-hearted trick on me.

It was now eerily quiet on the street. There was hardly any traffic. Oh yeah, that's because it's Christmas Eve, and most people are doing something FUN, instead of treading the frozen wilds of Minnesota.

Finally I reached The House. My numb fingers managed to find the right coordinates for the security code. I heard the "clink" of the lock as it disengaged. I opened the door, and......ah, blissful warmth!

I entered our room in modest triumph. "Here's your Start-ing Fluid."
"Thanks. Was it cold?" "I'll let you know, if sensation ever returns to my legs."
__________________

The task was complete,
The car it did start,
All thanks to the can
From the gas station-mart.

The End

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