Gary stared at his car, its engine emitting a noise resembling a disgruntled goat. ‘I am calm,’ he whispered, patting the hood. ‘I am calm.’ The goat noise intensified. ‘I am capable,’ Gary said, flexing imaginary biceps. The car sputtered. ‘I am loved,’ he added, tears streaming as the engine died. A passing cyclist snorted. ‘You okay?’ Gary wiped his face. ‘Just affirming my worth.’ The cyclist blinked. ‘…Okay.’ Minutes later, Gary stood atop his car, arms raised. ‘I am a shining beacon of positivity!’ The goat engine roared. A pigeon dropped a pebble on his head. Gary grinned. ‘Even the universe supports me!’ The pigeon pecked his shoe. ‘But… but I’m still stuck!’ The pigeon paused, then dropped a feather. Gary caught it, sobbing. ‘This is how it starts, isn’t it? The universe giving me feathers?’ The cyclist returned, holding a jump cable. ‘You gonna sit there all day or what?’ Gary leapt down. ‘I am resourceful!’ he declared, accepting the cable. The car coughed, then idled. Gary fist-pumped. ‘I am unstoppable!’ The goat engine belched smoke. Gary nodded. ‘We’re both stubborn.’
