She’s got a fast car; together, they have the freedom to go anywhere.

On the surface, one could reduce the car to a means of transportation, a vehicle to get her from point A to B, but to her, it is so much more.

The car is a connector.

Many friendships have been forged in the space between its seats. It is a discussion hub where ideas are shared, thoughts are challenged and world views are expanded. In the presence of good company, it houses melodies of laughter – joy radiates through its metal frames.

The car keeps her connected.

It is not only a venue for quality time, but also a vessel to bridge the distance between the girl and her loved ones. Several hundred miles have been travelled to spend nothing-filled days in the midst of dear companions. Those times mean everything to her, forever treasured in her memories.

The car is also costly.

A small fortune has been invested into its upkeep. Broken window regulators, snapped suspensions, clutch problems… the list could go on and on. However, every cost incurred teaches her a lesson in responsibility. From prioritisation to money management, to vigilance of danger, the car was an effective teacher, managing to break through the head of even the most reluctant student. The girl takes those lessons with her wherever she goes; their legacy lingers.

The car is a constant.

For almost 6 years, it is her confidant, a close companion. It has seen her through four houses, three jobs, two cross-country moves and one… We’ll get back to the one. She does her best thinking in it’s company. There is a focused calmness in their long rides, a clarity of mind. Many pivotal decisions can be attributed to their journeys together. Their shared time is fundamental in her formation; helping the girl blossom into a woman.

The car was her constant.

It saw her through four houses, three jobs, two cross-country moves and one particularly dangerous night on the motorway. Fortunately, the girl was fine, but the same could not be said for her four-wheeled friend.

She had a fast car. On the surface, it was merely a means of transportation. A vehicle to get her from point A to B. But to her, it was so much more.

Note:
I didn’t realise how emotionally attached I was to my car until I had to let it go. Though I knew our separation was inevitable, I didn’t appreciate how formative our time together had been. There was a slight urge to enter a period of mourning for it, but that felt a little dramatic. Instead, I chose to reflect on our 6 years together while sitting in a train carriage, listening to Tracey Chapman on repeat.