I seem to have an unlimited capacity for discovering dilemmas

Okay, this is dumber than a bag of rocks, but I'm stymied again.

You know how modern cars have the gas cap hidden away behond a locking door? On my Nissan the door latch is operated by a lever next to the driver's seat. The same lever operates the engine hood.


The lever doesn't work anymore. My gas gauge is on empty, my oil needs checking, and I can't do anything about it. Since I discovered this at the gas station and was unable to pry the gas door open with a screwdriver, I coasted home and there's probably enough gas to get the car around the block to the mechanic's, but I can't afford to take the car there. I'm twice late for its regular checkup because I can't afford it. I mean literally, I can't. Last month it was property taxes, this month it's making payments on the bills I've been shining on since the collapse last August (and earlier, in some cases).

In a better world I'd abandon the car right now but I can't do that. The car is otherwise in pretty good shape, though it's dirty and scraped. And others need it besides me. So it sits in my driveway while I ponder what to do.