24 October 2025

Published October 22, 2025 by rochellewisoff

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The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit. 

PHOTO PROMPT © David Stewart

This week’s photo is of a city street at night. The buildings are well lit. It’s raining. Headlights reflect on the wet pavement. There are people walking along the sidewalk.

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Genre: Histrionic Faction
Word Count: 100

INTO EVERY LIFE A LITTLE RAIN MUST FALL

It seems that my poor 2011 Chevy Cruz has seen more than its fair share of downpours such as a deer on a suicide mission and a few other fender benders. We’ve replaced the heater, the clutch and, currently she’s in the shop for more pricey repairs. Yet I cling tenaciously to her. She’s paid off, after all.

Last week when I took the car into the shop the wide-eyed mechanic looked at me like I had flown a spaceship into his garage. He gasped, “It’s a stick-shift.”

“Yes, Captain Obvious, it’s my millennial anti-theft device. Please, just fix it.”

35 comments on “24 October 2025

  • Hah, this struck home. I was a “gear stick” afficionado until a few years ago but have never looked back since changing to automatic. Automatic gearboxes are so common these days that when I changed my car recently I suddenly had a moment of panic between placing the order and delivery when I realised I hadn’t stipulated auto. I needn’t have worried. In any case, my car has ‘paddle shifters’ on the steering wheel so it’s possible to use manual if I wanted to. Good luck with your future garage dealings. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Sandra,

      My first car was a VW Beetle and came with what they called and “automatic stick shift.” You could shift for more efficiency but there was no clutch pedal on the floor.

      Lately, my sanity has come into question, but I just claim my right to be a stubborn old broad.

      Thanks for readin and commenting. 😀

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      PS at this present juncture my repair woes are behind me. Kind of.

      Like

  • A very enjoyable read! My sister only drives stick shifts…since she first got her license. She’s got a red card right now and you don’t want to be the slow poke in front of her!

    Like

  • I had my Subaru Forester (automatic tho) from 2002 until 2017 when we moved states and it failed inspection although it was driving fine and passing inspection in our previous state. We had sold my husband’s Volvo because we were going to be a one car family and I don’t drive stick. He hasn’t driven stick since then. I’m not sure we made the right choice.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Dear Gabi,

      I’ve driven a few automatics over the past few years. They’ve been loaners while my car’s been in the shop. A couple of times I’ve nearly put myself through the windshield looking for the clutch but finding the brake. 😉 Thank you.

      Shalom,

      Rochelle

      Liked by 1 person

  • I love this! My son won’t drive anything but a manual, he’s nearly 32, and since passing his driving test in his early 20s, he’s always said automatics are for lazy drivers!

    Love the look on on the mechanics face! Great take on the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

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