(on the walk home from school)
Me: What else do you have to report from the school front, buddy?
Hank: Nothing, that’s it. Now it’s your turn. How was your day?
Me: Productive. Oh and I spoke with your Uncle Andy.
Hank: Oh yah? About the car for the character in your book?
Me: The very thing. I told him the options you helped me come up with: A 1990 Mituubioochi Pajero…
Hank: Mit-su-bi-shi
Me: Right Mitchewbitushi
Hank: (shaking his head in frustration)
Me: or a 1990 Land Rover Defender.
Hank: What did he say?
Me: He was impressed.
Hank: He was?!?!!! (walking taller with a skip in his step)
Me: He said, and I quote, “God, I love that kid.”
Hank: (beaming with pride, hugging himself)
Me: He said those were both great contenders for my character to own, but they didn’t fit the bill as the ultimate road trip vehicle. Those years and models both have one thing or another that would not make them the best options to drive 600 kilometers round trip twice a year without being perpetually be at the mechanics BUT great job and if you hadn’t of scouted those potential options for me he wouldn’t have as easily recommended…
Hank: I can’t wait to hear this.
Me: The 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser!
Hank: Ohhhhhhhh, I see. Yup! (nodding) Yup. Great car.
Me: Preferred vehicle by the UN. Known for being the go-to convoy car on peace keeping missions and a solid running, reliable work horse. Boxy, stripped of frills, perfect for beach days parked precariously on a cliff top road shoulder or off-roading Alentejo adventures. So, what do you think? Do you agree?
Hank: Absolutely. Thank you for asking Uncle Andy’s opinion. I don’t think I would have thought of that car on my own and he is right. The Land Cruiser is the best car for your character. Also how is it going in your book? Has he kissed the lady yet?
Me: Not yet, but they’re close.
Hank: Are they flirting?
Me: Yup. Totes flirting.
Hank: Right. Well, now you have the perfect date vehicle. He should drive her to the beach for a sunset picnic. They should kiss on the beach. She’ll get cold and he will lean over to give her his coat. It’s a thing adults do. That would be the date I’d take my future wife on in my Toyota Land Cruiser.
Me: Oh yah?
Hank: Definitely.
