The Importance of Staying Left

Since Saturday morning is so radiantly sunny and glorious, I decide to take the Lionel Pierre Barry Scenic Drive to my old apartment where I am to spend a rare Saturday off inside cleaning. I like this route because it reminds me of my happy college years in Northeast Iowa with its rolling hills and farm animals. Except that when you look up and out, you cannot help but notice the vast ocean before you instead of corn fields. Parts of this lovely road are, however, even narrower and windier than St. Thomas’ main thoroughfares.

It occurs to me that perhaps I am driving a bit too close to center, especially when I notice that the car approaching me could be doing the same. Unfortunately, before I can alter course, a noise informs me that, without a doubt, this car and I have engaged in a minor sideswipe.

We both stop in the middle of the road, per island custom. I get out of the car and the woman passenger in the other car does the same. Everyone is fine, except for my side mirror, which is lying in the road.

Meanwhile, cars are backing up behind our vehicles. We are blocking traffic, and I want to get on my way. The man in the driver’s seat peers out the passenger window at me and says,

"Well, we were a bit surprised, but at least we're both listening to NPR."

I am unable to respond with anything witty. Only a surprised giggle.

Then the woman and I pick up my mirror, get back into our respective cars, and we gone.

Sans the passenger mirror and with a window that won’t roll, the Corolla is now truly an island vehicle.