Gemotions

The feeling, when you realize your car is gone, is a specific brand of helplessness. Maria bit her lip, checking her watch. She was already running late. A meeting awaited. But then she remembered the tow truck driver she had once seen struggling to load another car. He looked frazzled.

She located the tow yard and spoke to the clerk. Maria tried to imagine what the man was going through. She let him explain everything, patiently. She didn't interrupt. She felt a small ache in her chest as she listened.

After the paperwork was signed, she turned to the clerk. "Have a good day," she said, her voice soft. "It's all right." She even offered a small joke, hoping to lighten the mood. The clerk gave a tiny smile. It was enough.