Oddly Satisfying

If gas stations were smart they’d have a bell ring when you land on a whole number.

Then everyone would know how good you are at timing it, and people would talk at the pumps, and it wind become a whole community. They’d probably have to add some cozy chairs and outdoor furniture so people could sit and watch the fueleruppers, and they’d gossip. The gas stations could sell coffee and treats to the people too, because they’d be there so long. Maybe they could show movies and people would drive up from all over so the kids could watch them while they watched the pumpers. Actually, that would be perfect for those little triangle sandwiches line they serve after church. Finally people would be able to slow down and enjoy the cross sectional slice of life that would expose them to. Strangers. Friends. Enemies. Friends. I bet if we All lived this way we could work less too. Imagine it’s Tuesday August 7th at 3:32 PM, you’re just sitting enjoying the sun, the bell rings and you clap, you walk over to the pump and it’s a young man. He just got married to his beau, they met while reaching for the same windshield squeegee as kids while their parents listened to for the gas bell. His name is James, hers is Stacey. She’s a Virgo. You put your arm around the man’s shoulders and tell him tales of you hitting the gas timing bell and you both laugh. You invite them to watch the movie Bridge on the river Kwai. 6 months later they have their first child. Is a boy. They ask you to be his godparent. You’re ecstatic, you stand up from your lawn furniture and announce to the group that James snd Stacey have asked you to be god parents, and they all cheer (even though it’s February there’s still a crowd). You have the god parenting ceremony and say the god parent vow at the pump. Then you and James both take a handle on opposite sides of the same pump unit. In solidarity you pour out the gas, counting up the cents until you both stop. There’s a soft thunk and the familiar bell rings, the crowd cheers and throws their ham and white cheese sandwiches into the air. Seagulls swoop and catch the sandwiches so there’s no litter. And at that moment you feel in your heart of hearts that you’re safe, with your people, and things will always be right.

That’s what they’re taking from you by not having a bell.