Little Red was parked in the corner of Carmax’s huge lot, a 1963 Ford Falcon convertible, Rangoon red and black convertible top. He caught Isabel’s eye since he stood out among the brand-new Toyotas, Fords, and Nissans. How could it be? Thought Isabel. She owned a car just like it back in 1975; in fact, it had been her first car ever! This Little Red was in perfect shape, like it was fresh off the showroom floor. It was amazing, given that it was a 1963 Ford. Someone must have really taken care of this little beauty. It was a true classic. The sun bounced off the chrome trimmings; it had a perfect piped vinyl interior with bucket seats. And had the new car smell. Wow!
Isabel was deciding whether to trade in her 2021 Toyota Corolla; the new car would be her last car. It would be her 70th birthday in August 2026, and she wanted to give herself one last treat before settling into old age. This was indeed special; she never could have imagined Little Red here at the Carmax parking lot. It was destiny that she would negotiate a deal for Little Red.
Isabel could not believe the deal she got. The 1963 Ford Falcon was not on their official list, but it was available for sale at 1963 prices! Isabel got Little Red and money back for her trade! The dealer did not even blink an eye. Little Red was brought to the front of the showroom, and a small crowd gathered to admire him. The tags were exchanged, and Isabel walked out with her pile of paperwork and her new keys.
Isabel was still feisty at 70, full of energy and dreams. She stood 5’1” tall, with salt-and-pepper short hair and a million-dollar smile, determined to make her last few years on Earth count. She did not have a million dollars in her pocket. But now she has a couple of thousand and still has big dreams.
The crowd parted as she approached Little Red.
“This is yours?” A man asked. “What a classic!”
“Thank you,” replied Isabel.
She slipped into the driver’s seat, put her purse on the passenger seat, and put the paperwork in the glove compartment. She turned the key in the ignition, and the car roared to a start, smooth and steady. She took in the new car smell for a moment and closed her eyes.
Isabel was instantly transported to 1975, where she was talking to her beloved Uncle Camillo, who was working under the hood of Little Red.
Uncle Camillo was smoking one of his favorite Cuban cigars. He had thinning hair, was in his 70s, and wore Khaki pants and a bright white T-shirt. Isabel was young again, 19, to her surprise. She had an ice-cold Budweiser in her hands for Uncle Camillo.
“Here, Tío, thank you for doing this for me”
“When you are ready, I know someone who can replace the convertible top for you at a good price.” Said Uncle Camillo.
“Just a couple more paychecks and I’ll be able to afford a new top,” Isabel replied.
Isabel had been working 12-hour days, 7 days a week, at the Post Office. She paid the bills at home and supported her family, which consisted of her Mother, and her younger sister, Shirley. She was putting a little aside to fix up her car. The convertible top replacement was essential to prevent further rain damage to the car’s interior. The cost to replace was about $100, which was a lot of money in those days.
Uncle Camillo kept Little Red running smoothly; he had the magic touch that only Older Cubans had when it came to keeping old classics alive and running.
Excerpt from Little Red
GrowingOlderHopeWiser 
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