Nine Black Alps – Happiness And Satisfaction 0

The sound of pounding footsteps drew her attention as another of her neighbors jogged along the sidewalk. Andrea waved and received a smile in return. Lisa Halpern was a newlywed and had just moved in to a big colonial-style house a few blocks away, with her handsome young husband and their massive 4x4. Even in a baggy sweat-suit and leggings, Lisa looked perky and radiant as she raced away, while Andrea felt shapeless and pallid in her oil-stained mechanic's overalls.
Yeah, she thought, but just let her have a kid and then we'll see how quickly she starts to sag...
She turned back to the engine. "Okay. Okay." She paused. "What now?"
Evan peered past her and studied the problem for a moment. Reaching into the open toolbox on the drive, he retrieved a 5/16" wrench and spun it around in his hand, like a gunn'ghter twirling a six-shooter. "We're gonna be late again."
She took the tool from him with a nod. "When did you ever care about getting to school on time?" she asked over her shoulder.
The boy looked away. "We're puttin' up pictures for Parent's Night."
Andrea turned a bolt, ignoring the underlying tone in Evan's voice for the moment.
Her son rose up on his tiptoes.. "Remember, Mom, righty-tighty, lefty-lucy,"
She smiled. "Thanks, Evan. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time..-." Her voice trailed off as she examined the carburetor that sat wrongly out of its fitting. With a grimace, Andrea swiped it with the wrench. "Darn it!"