Oh dear, I guess nobody else is going to submit a story (and there seemed such enthusiasm from the beginning); time has dragged on though and it's time to continue with the next challenge.

jstro,
I read your story - a finely crafted and engaging tale with an delightful twist. I admire your effective use of words and succinct and emotive imagery. Having not read your story before finishing my own, what surprised me most were the striking parallels between the two of them: the car troubles, main character name, and various other details. Spooky!

Considering it's just you and me as finalists, you of course can choose the picture for the October challenge (a short one, there being only two weeks remaining).
I've already begun the new thread (here), so please post a pic there at your earliest convenience. I'll be sure to submit a short story this time around.

Drekinn
___
"Let words be your palette."