Dear Red,

You were named after your velvety textured interior and if we named you, you’ve got to be special. You’ve lasted almost a year, just a small wedge of time in your 20 years. Your white paint isn’t chipped and you’re in the best condition of your life with a new alternator, tires, battery, etc. We’ve treated you well…so why now?

The first time you broke down was a wake-up call. In the midst of being so excited about finally having a car that Sydney and I could share, you showed me the reality that is your age. You shut down on 270 to the ramp on 367 and I forgave you for the scare of a lifetime.

But your antics didn’t stop there, did they? You needed new tires and you weren’t afraid to show it. On Labor Day, my last day of work for the summer, the last day I REALLY NEEDED you, the treading of your tire flew off…with the window open. Correction: This was the scare of a lifetime. We got you four brand new tires. That isn’t cheap, you know?

Still, I forgave you.

Now you had to go and break down. Again in Worden, for goodness sake. I thought I didn’t give you enough gas, and I would’ve understood your hunger. However, once again, it was not my fault. They say it is the transmission, but I don’t want to believe it. If this is our last hoorah, I’m sorry this is the end and I don’t know if I can forgive you for this. Until next time, Red, until next time.

Sincerely your owner(s)

Miranda (and Sydney)