01LOCAL DIRECTIONS
The shortcut includes refreshments.
Ricy's route to the beach is supposed to avoid the lights. It also passes his favourite slush machine, a cousin's driveway and a shop that might have the right phone charger. Twenty-six minutes later, you emerge beside the lights. Ricy asks whether the ordinary route would have included a free napkin. It would not. He considers the discussion closed and offers to explain the way back.
02RESERVED, APPARENTLY
Leave a space for his explanation.
A folded beach chair has appeared in the parking space outside Ricy's building. He says it is holding the spot for a friend. The friend is Ricy, arriving later in the same car. A neighbour moves the chair into the shade. Ricy thanks him for improving the arrangement and sits down to supervise. By evening the car is around the corner and the parking space has become a place to talk about parking.
03ASK ABOUT THE CAR
The car has developed a reputation.
People recognise the coupe before they recognise Ricy. The passenger window stops halfway down, which he calls the conversation setting. There is a gym bag in the back that has become part of the upholstery. He keeps one corner of the bonnet clean because that is where he leans when explaining the car. Ask about the engine and he will tell you who used to own it, then who that person nearly married.