Praying at the Pump

Praying at the Pump

A small everyday story from the road – with a big finale.

Reinhold is always good for a surprise – sometimes in the best way, sometimes… a little less so. Especially when we’re traveling!

What starts out harmlessly can escalate quickly. And if you know Reinhold, you know this: a grand finale with plenty of drama is never far off.

 

Scene of the action: A Mobile gas pump on Burbank Road

Some background: At American gas stations, you usually have to prepay. And that doesn’t always go smoothly when you’re using a German credit card – for any number of mysterious reasons.

But Reinhold, ever the tinkerer, has figured something out: Mobile gas stations usually work. So, whenever the fuel gauge creeps into the red zone, that’s where we head.

 

Simple task? Not for Reinhold!

Technically, it’s easy. Insert card, follow the instructions on the screen – and pump. But of course… nothing happens.

Card in. Nothing.
Card out, card back in. Still nothing.
A light tap on the pump. Nothing.
Then a heavier knock – accompanied by the inevitable, muttered “F” word. Still nothing!

Meanwhile, I sit in the car, trying very hard to pretend this has absolutely nothing to do with me. But then I see Reinhold storming toward the shop with long strides and a bright red face.

An unusual encounter

Thankfully, he’s back rather quickly. Not enough time to have murdered anyone – though he looks like he’s seen an alien.

“There’s an older man inside,” Reinhold says. “Clearly Indian, sitting behind the counter on a stool. Hands raised, head bowed… and he’s praying!”

“Just when I was about to explode, he raised one hand toward me – without even looking up. Like a silent command: Depart from me, Reinhold!”

 

Back to the pump – round two

So here we go again.
Card in – nothing.
Card out – still nothing.
A swift kick to the pump shakes the entire Mobile contraption alarmingly. I actually fear it might collapse.

Reinhold storms back toward the shop, now ready to chew someone out properly. But even round two is a bust: the man is still praying. Still unbothered.

 

Help from above?

Before a third attempt can unfold, a slim older gentleman suddenly appears, quick on his feet. He walks up to Reinhold with a smile and calmly says, “Put the card in.”

Reinhold (slightly annoyed): “What do you think I’ve been doing this whole time?!”
“Try again.”

And just like that – it works! Smoothly. As if by magic. Or maybe… divine intervention?

Aftermath and reflection

The two men end up chatting for a while. Turns out the older gentleman once lived in Stuttgart – and says he has a soft spot for Germans.

 

Moral of the story

If you’re not quite ready to resort to prayer –
sometimes a little patience works too.

 

This story is part of the series: Life In Between