work in progress

The little rusted VW Bug started to hesitate and Sandra could feel the loss of power. She pushed the accelerator harder in hopes of keeping the car moving down the highway.
“C’mon, c’mon don’t quit on me now,baby.” She pleaded. Luckily, a sign for an exit appeared stating that the town of Clintonville was only one mile ahead.
“Please, just get me to the town.” She prayed. Although, what she was going to do there would be a mystery. With almost no money, no job and on the run, things were definitely not looking good.

The Bug sputtered to a stop just as she reached the “Welcome to Clintonville!” sign. Sandra starred at the cheerful sign that boldly claimed “Clintonville- Where happiness is guaranteed!” How could a town make a promise like that? She knew happiness was fleeting at best and unhappiness was the norm.
“What a stupid town motto! But I guess it probably is original.” She muttered. Just as she was pondering what to do about her dead vehicle, a police car pulled up behind her.

A man in his early thirties stepped out of the car and approached her driver’s side door cautiously.

“Hello ma’am, do you need some help?” His eyes alertly scanned her and the interior of the car.

“Um, yes. My car just died. I have no idea what’s wrong with it.”

“No problem, Ted can give you a tow to his garage and look at it for you.”

“I kinda don’t have too much money. How much would it cost?”

“Don’t know, ma’am. But you can’t leave a vehicle abandoned on the side of the road. You’ll have to at least have it towed into town.” He was sympathetic but firm.