Birthday Car Accident

 

It has been a few years now. A special birthday of my friend Sean. And a sunny day in October.

 

We had arranged to have lunch with friends in a Brazilian restaurant that offers an extensive buffet at lunchtime and for dinner. Perfect for a party in a relaxed atmosphere. A really nice birthday in good company.

 

For the way home we choose a shortcut. A public road leading through a popular golf resort. Past well-kept golf courses and upper-market real estate. The route is quite narrow and winding in some places. Caution is recommended. It is especially popular with drivers who had a glass too much and therefore prefer to avoid the main road.

 

So we are on our beloved hidden path riding into the sunset. On the one hand a wonderful view of light and colours, on the other hand its dazzling effect makes it almost impossible for the driver to see where the journey is heading. Moreover, we are currently in one of the narrow curves that are often cut. There are ditches on both sides of the road.

 

Fascinated by the wonderful sunset colours and due to a short lack of attention, both right tyres are heading directly into the side ditch. The car literally bounces to the side, because we have hit the deepest point. I manage to get out carefully and Sean tries several times in vain to free the car. Instead it only sinks deeper into the soft soil.

 

Not far from us a pickup truck has stopped. A young Portuguese man and his companion watch Sean's multiple attempts to escape the predicament.

 

Finally the driver gets out and takes a closer look at the circumstances. He speaks good English and asks my friend if he could get behind the wheel. No sooner said than done. But the young man also shakes his head. Without a tow rope, we won't get any further here. Hopefully the tyres are not damaged. Cars seem to be his field of expertise.

 

Meanwhile his companion has taken the warning triangle out of the boot and secured the road. The pickup truck is now standing in the same direction, and the tow rope is being attached. And very slowly and carefully he pulls our stranded vehicle from the ditch back onto the road. Breathing a sigh of relief on all sides.

 

Our pickup driver takes another thorough look at the tyres with a trained eye. They have luckily not been damaged. But Sean should definitely visit the garage of his choice tomorrow to have the wheel suspension checked. Better safe than sorry.

 

We thank all involved from the bottom of our hearts and start our way back home relieved. A brandy after the shock and once again "Happy Birthday".

 

Everything was courteous, unagitated and professional. Unfortunately we never met the pickup truck and its helpful passengers again. Sean would have liked to invite them for dinner.

 

© Solandra (October 3rd, 2020)

 

Translated with the help of DeepL

Proofread by the author  

 

Photo by Jasper Geys on Unsplash