Z-A Monday: On the Interstate

Spending some of his last funds investing in an old Impala, Xavier took the wheel and instantly entered the Interstate interchange. He felt inspired enough to impulsively head homeward.

It would take some time getting through Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana, but he wasn't impatient. It was time for introspection, improving on imperfections, seeking inspiration for the next installment of his recently idle life.

Outside Indianapolis, impaired by sleepiness and incapable of going further, he stopped at a roadside Inn and innocently entered the foyer.

"I need a room", he intoned.

"You need more than that", said the innkeeper, pointing at the flaming, incendiary Impala.

"This is insane", thought Xavier, looking in his wallet for the car's invoice and not finding it.
Inside, the Impala's interior was shot; his investment a total, irreparable loss.

Later, on the phone, he irately itemized and inventoried his lost belongings to the insurance adjuster.

"Cause of loss?", inquired Irma the insurance adjuster.

"Idiocy. Insanity. It just went up in flames."

"I can't insert 'idiocy" in the box", said Irma.

"OK...let's say...leaking fuel injector. Or maybe the ignition. Yeah, that sounds good."

"Sir, we will have to have an authorized inspection. Your invented input will not help."

"Fine - but look - I need new wheels. I need to scoot, get out of Indy."

"We will have Ira's Indy Body Shop assess the impact and issue an itemized assessment. Then we issue payment and you can identify a new car. It will take...less than a week."

Next week! Not very immediate; he'd wanted an instant answer, but the impact was inescapable. Indy was inescapable! Ick!

Next week! Perhaps he'd consider a new Honda or Hyundai. Or a Harley! For now, he felt helpless. No, not that horrible yet. Just really irritated.