Chapter 36
Chapter 36
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Ordinary Days (7)
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Heading home.
Sam spoke up.
"Jake, congrats. You made a big decision."
"Thanks, Sam. I never would've dreamed of it without you."
"Nah. You could've done it on your own. I just gave you a nudge."
A brief silence fell.
"Jake, just keep one thing in mind."
"Yeah?"
"A truck's just a tool. A money-making tool. Don't get attached. If it breaks, fix it. If it can't be fixed, get a new one."
"...Yeah."
"What's important is you staying safe and healthy on the job. Got it?"
"Got it, Sam."
We arrived home, and Nancy came running out.
"Jake! Did you buy the truck?"
"Yeah, signed the deal. It'll be mine tomorrow."
"Whoa, how big is it?"
"Hmm... huge. Dinosaur-sized."
"Eek, a dinosaur! That's massive...!"
Nancy covered her mouth with her hands, lost in imagination for a moment.
Then she asked cautiously,
"Jake, can I ride the dinosaur truck too? Will it bite?"
I could guess what wild imaginings were running through the kid's head.
I chuckled and took her hand.
"Of course. Our princess gets the first ride. But you gotta be careful."
"Heehee, got it. I'll be super careful so it doesn't bite!"
Nancy let out a cheer.
Ten o'clock at night, I sat at my desk.
I pulled the business license out of my document bag.
[Jake's Hauling Services.]
It was the business I'd set up when I started as an independent trucker.
I never imagined it'd lead to buying a truck this big.
I carefully slipped the license into a clear plastic sleeve.
I gathered everything I'd need for the bank tomorrow.
Checked my ID, grabbed my wallet.
Looking out the window, the stars twinkled brightly.
Everything was about to change tomorrow.
My heart pounded.
A strange mix of excitement, tension, and a touch of regret.
'Ah, I'm really switching trucks now.'
I was parting ways with the old rig that had been like a companion for 25 years.
And on top of that, new loans, new environment, new jobs...
So much changing all at once.
'I can do this. I'll make it work.'
I was tired, but sleep wouldn't come.
Still, I closed my eyes and tried to drift off.
The next morning at seven, my phone alarm blared.
I double-checked the documents right away.
Business license, ID, check.
All set.
I called Sam immediately.
"Sam, you up?"
"Of course. Already on my second coffee."
I heard Sam's laugh.
"Leave at nine-thirty. No rush."
"Got it. See you soon."
I showered and got dressed.
Today was big, so I had to look sharp.
Shaved clean, combed my hair neatly.
"Whew..."
Going to the bank always made me nervous.
Everything about it was complicated and intimidating.
I took a deep breath.
'Mike said it's the bank he deals with, so it'll go smooth.'
I was about to eat breakfast when someone knocked.
It was Dorothy.
"Jake, can I come in?"
"Yeah, come on."
Dorothy stepped in and smiled at my outfit.
"Wow, you clean up nice. Today's the day, huh?"
"Yep. Bank for the loan, then finalize the truck deal."
"Nervous?"
"Terrified. Forty-five grand loan."
Dorothy chuckled and patted my shoulder.
"Jake, it'll be fine. It always has been."
"True, but..."
"Don't overthink it. Sam's going with you, right?"
"Yeah, thank goodness."
Dorothy turned at the door.
"Celebration dinner at our place tonight. I'll cook."
"For real?"
"Yep. Invite Sam, celebrate the new truck together."
"...Thanks, Dorothy. Just hearing that gets me pumped."
"Anytime. Looking forward to it."
With Dorothy and Nancy's solid support...
At ten a.m., Sam and I arrived at Mike's dealership.
"Let's finish up the paperwork first."
On top of yesterday's sales contract, insurance forms, registration...
Over twenty spots to sign.
"Alright, now just the bank."
Mike organized the folder.
"Head to First National Bank, Austin branch. The loan officer's waiting."
The bank was downtown.
We parked and entered the sleek lobby.
"Mr. Winch?"
A young woman approached.
"Yes, that's me."
"I'm Jennifer Rodriguez, your loan officer. This way."
She led us to a conference room.
Papers were laid out on the table.
"Business license checks out. Jake's Hauling Services, correct?"
"Yes."
It was the one I'd faxed yesterday.
"Truck collateral loan for $45,000, 60 months, 6.5% APR... Monthly payment: $880.88."
Jennifer showed the calculator.
880.88 dollars. A bit higher than my rough estimate, but within range.
"How will you pay the $25,000 down?"
"Check."
I pulled out the $25,000 check from Bill.
Jennifer scanned it.
"Confirmed. Please sign the documents."
I read the loan agreement.
Dense clauses, but Mike and Sam explained each one.
"Check here—no prepayment penalty."
Sam pointed.
"Yeah, none."
"Good. If you get a lump sum later, pay it off early. Saves on interest."
I nodded and signed.
One page, two, three... Hands shaking, but I kept going.
On the last page, Jennifer smiled.
"Congratulations, Mr. Winch. Approved."
"Really?"
"Yes. First payment due in one month. Auto-debit?"
"Definitely. Set it up."
"Done. Mike will handle registration. The truck's yours now."
Jennifer extended her hand.
Shaking it, I nearly teared up.
Loan done, back to the dealership.
The moment had arrived.
"Good work, Jake, Sam."
"Mike, you too."
They shook hands.
Then Mike approached me.
My heart raced wildly.
"Congrats, Jake. She's all yours."
Mike grinned and handed over the keys.
My hand trembled taking them.
A small piece of metal, but it felt like a ton.
"Thanks, Mike."
"No problem. Great truck. Drive safe."
Sam clapped my shoulder.
"Jake, hop in. It's your truck now."
My truck.
Thinking it felt surreal.
I approached the cab of the massive truck gleaming in mysterious blue.
Grabbed the black handle, climbed in.
Click-
Plush leather seat welcomed me, sleek displays glowed.
I slid the key in and turned it over.
Vroommm
The engine roared powerfully.
Nothing like the rattling of my 25-year-old rig.
Smooth yet forceful... like a massive beast growling.
The dash lit up.
Engine temp, oil pressure, tire pressure, fuel...
Everything perfect.
"How is it?"
Sam climbed into the passenger seat.
"Can't believe it. That this is mine."
"You earned it. Things'll only get better, Jake."
My chest swelled.
"Wanna take her for a spin? Get used to her."
"Haha, yeah."
We hit I-35, cruising slow.
The blue Cascadia glided smoothly on the highway.
Every press of the accelerator surged power.
"Check the fuel monitor."
Sam pointed.
Dashboard read 'Current MPG: 7.2'.
"Whoa... over seven miles already."
"Told ya. Fuel costs way down."
After thirty minutes on the highway, we pulled over.
Parked at a truck stop, checked out the sleeper cab again.
Then flopped onto the mattress.
"Ugh... heaven."
A bit exaggerated, but hotel-bed comfy.
More than that, it was my space—pure peace of mind.
"Long hauls no problem now."
Sam grinned.
"1,500 miles to California. Day and a half. Sleep, shower, rest here. Perfect."
I opened the fridge while listening.
Colas inside.
"Oh, Mike stocked colas."
Sam grabbed one and handed it over.
"A toast. To your new truck!"
"Cheers!"
Sipping cola, I gazed out.
Texas blue sky stretched wide.
Heading home.
Parked the truck in the trailer park lot.
The blue semi gleamed in the sun.
My old white truck waited where I'd left it.
Side by side, the contrast in size and shine was stark.
"Hey, buddy. You did good."
I stroked my old truck.
Just touching it brought back a flood of memories.
"Time for her to rest. Served us well."
Sam murmured beside me.
Sam, who'd pushed hardest for the switch.
Even he looked emotional now.
"Yeah. Thanks for everything."
"Damn right. Kept the family fed all these years."
Sam stroked it silently for a while.
I burned the sight into my memory. Never forget.
"Mike'll buy her for five grand. For parts."
"Yeah, she's not roadworthy anymore."
"Tough. He'll send a tow tomorrow."
I stood before my old truck one last time.
Sam, watching, grinned faintly.
"Lemme snap a pic. Stand there."
Sam pulled out his phone.
I smiled and posed by the old truck.
"Thanks."
I struck a pose in front of the white truck.
Sam moved around, snapping shots.
Click.
"One more. Smile bigger, Jake."
Click.
"Perfect. Frame this one."
Sam showed me.
Me grinning wide by the battered white truck.
"Your turn with me, Sam. C'mon."
I quickly snapped a selfie with Sam.
All of us beaming.
Yeah, send her off with smiles.
After pics, we headed to Dorothy's.
Door opened to delicious aromas.
"Jake!"
Nancy ran over.
"Bought the dinosaur truck? Show me!"
"Yep. Outside."
"Eek, lemme see now!"
Nancy dragged me out.
Showed her the truck.
"Whoa... it's huge!"
Nancy's jaw dropped.
A six-year-old had to crane her neck to see it all.
"This is really Jake's truck?"
"Yep. What do ya think? Bummed it's not a real dinosaur?"
Nancy glanced around, then whispered close.
"Glad it's not real. Kinda scared me."
I giggled; her cheeks flushed.
"You gonna give me a ride?"
"Obviously. Tomorrow."
"Promise?"
Nancy hooked her pinky.
I linked mine.
"Promise."
Dorothy's dinner was hearty.
Roast chicken, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cornbread.
"Whoa, feast!"
"Special day."
Dorothy plated food.
We four sat and dug in.
"Jake, congrats."
Dorothy raised her glass.
"New truck, new start!"
"Cheers!"
Glasses clinked.
Our little princess toasted with juice.
"Jake's giving me a new truck ride! Jealous?"
"Lucky girl!"
Dorothy ruffled Nancy's hair, laughing.
Sam bit into chicken.
"Jake, hit up Tom tomorrow for long-haul grocery loads."
"Yes. Mike's hooking me up with a grocery distributor too."
"Good. Rent a reefer trailer. Five hundred a week, easy profit."
"Got it."
We planned over dinner.
First run when, best routes, where to rent reefer.
Everything thrilling.
Ten p.m., back in my trailer.
Lay on bed, stared at ceiling like always.
Day flew by.
Morning papers, bank loan, truck deal done.
All a blur.
Pulled out phone, checked pics.
Sam's shots of me beaming by the old truck.
And by the new one.
Us together too.
'Look happy.'
Unbelievable.
Months ago, just surviving day to day.
Now new truck, grinning ear to ear.
Ding-
Text from Bill.
[Bill: New truck good? Swing by shop when free. Drinks to celebrate.]
I smirked, replied.
[Me: Snagged a sexy beast. Show ya tomorrow.]
[Bill: Sweet, check it out tomorrow. Congrats.]
Smile spread.
Set phone down, closed eyes.
But bolted up soon.
"...Aw, c'mon, enough moping."
Muttering, I headed to kitchen anyway.
Grabbed bourbon from cabinet, stepped out.
I don't drink much, but... tonight called for one.
At my old 2000 Freightliner white rig.
I stopped.
"Buddy, this is really goodbye."
Leaned against it, whispered.
Midnight trailer park dark as ever.
Faint moonlight, cool night air...
Distant highway hum, old diesel scent.
Felt the cold metal, sipped whiskey.
"Ha..."
Long time since whiskey—bitter, burning.
Like my 15 years with this beast.
"You did good."
Last words, patted it.
That was enough.
'Work harder, Jake.'
New truck, new start, new life.
Shed regrets, charge ahead.