He knew he needed new blades, but the task had always felt like a chore he’d rather skip. He pulled into a small, puddle-filled parking lot and pulled out his phone.
Then he considered the big-box retailers. Walmart and Target were just a few miles away. They were convenient and usually cheaper, though he’d have to brave the massive aisles and consult a dusty printed catalog hanging by the shelf to find his size.
Finally, he glanced at his Amazon app. He could order a pair of Bosch Icons—the ones everyone raved about—and have them on his doorstep by tomorrow. But tomorrow didn’t help him get home through this storm tonight.
His first thought was a dedicated auto parts store. Places like AutoZone or O'Reilly were the gold standard. He knew if he walked in, a staff member would likely look up his car’s make and model, find the exact size, and maybe even offer to snap them onto the arms for him in the rain.
Rain lashed against the windshield in rhythmic sheets, turning the world outside into a blurred watercolor of gray and neon. Elias gripped the steering wheel, his eyes narrowing as he peered through the glass. Every time the wipers swept across, they left behind a jagged smear of water and a screeching sound that set his teeth on edge. "That’s it," he muttered. "I can’t see a thing."
"Or maybe the dealership?" he thought. It would be the most expensive option, but he’d get the exact OEM parts designed for his car.
