writing_shadows

"Come on, come on," Arthur sighed. "Talk to me, old thing?" he turned the key, but the whirr and whine of the struggling engine told him nothing. He turned off the car and went back out to look under the bonnet. The engine was perfect.

"Is this your way of teaching me a lesson?" he asked. "It is, isn't it; I used you to show off and this is my punishment."

With deft fingers he checked the sparks and caps and all the connections. There was nothing loose or wonky or misaligned.

Arthur sighed and closed the bonnet. He got back into the driving seat and sat with his hands on the wheel and his eyes closed. "I am sorry I used you to boost my ego," he said.

He turned the key and the engine purred softly into life.

"'We can awaken it for you,'" he chuckled. "Too bloody late, mate."