Today I went to pick up a kitchen island we’d found on Craig’s List. The kitchen desperately needed a workstation next to the stove, and this was the perfect size. Since it was on wheels, I figured it’d be easy to get back to our place–even though I was picking it up at 71st and we live at 107th.

Of course, today was rainy. The folks I was getting it from were moving and today was the only day I could pick it up. But hey, I just moved from Oregon; I’ve got a rain coat. How bad can it be?

First, let me introduce you to the discovery of wind and how wind can push rain through a coat that is merely water-resistant instead of water-repellent.

Next, allow me to demonstrate what happens to screws which are vibrated for thirty blocks. They loosen and then, they come out. Taking with them, at 90th street, one of the wheels of the kitchen island. At this point, I suggest calling your husband and asking him to come meet you with the handtruck–yes, I should have taken it in the first place. Leave a message for your husband. After waiting, discover that it is possible to balance the cart on three wheels and still continue on your journey.

Call your husband again at 92nd, 94th and 97th by which point he will have returned from his outing. Wait under the awning of a restaurant until he arrives.

By the time the cart arrives in your home, the draw will have fallen in, the sides will be collapsing and the top will no longer be attached to the frame.

Fortunately, we did pass a hardware store on the way home and I purchased replacement bolts and screws. The cart reassembled very quickly at home and is once more the solid piece of furniture I purchased.

This is the story that I was working on as we were driving across country. I just submitted it to the writer’s group I’m auditioning for and thought that you all might want to read it too. The password is the same as for Shades of Milk and Honey. If you don’t have that and are interested in reading, drop me a line and I’ll give it to you. I do this so that, by controlling access, I can say that it’s never been published. So far, I think there are ten of you reading.