The car had to be smog-checked. The first time we ever got that notice I exclaimed, But it’s a brand new SULEV! (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.)

But it does still have a gas engine, however small.

I looked up the usual place and prepaid online.

The computer auto-filled my landline number onto the form and I didn’t notice in time. Which they auto-texted to to confirm my payment and appointment, and obviously that didn’t work.

Well that’s a nuisance, so I typed into my cellphone the time of payment and the order number so I would have that info to prove I was me and headed on over.

The young guy running the place by himself wasn’t sure he could make that work; he asked me, sounding a little nervous, had I printed it out?

I had not, I’m sorry. (I was thinking, since when does his generation expect a print-out? Too funny.)

He wasn’t sure he could make that half-off price work and was clearly a little afraid of how I might react.

I told him, Hey, I’m the one who didn’t catch that auto-fill in time. If I have to pay full price than I pay full price, no biggy, I just need to get it done. (Thinking, before the state deadline next week. Before minor surgery next week with anesthesia but no painkillers because I’m allergic. Before I have to deal with all that. I was just so glad that I’d finally kicked myself into getting this done.)

He was visibly relieved.

My heart went out to him. I wondered how many customers… It’s not his fault his bosses charge one price online and twice that in person if you skim and see and expect that but just show up without paying first.

From there he got the work done and went over the DMV’s paperwork I’d brought with me, making sure I would save the certificate that the car had passed inspection till the state sends their sticker–the whole time treating me like his favorite aunt. Like we were old friends.

I thanked him and we both came away with our day much better for those few minutes of making sure my old car doesn’t fart at the public.