Yesterday, driving to a friend’s house, I reflected on my plan and how my car always suffers from some kind of breakdown when I attempt such things, as though testing my resolve. Ten seconds later a flywheel snapped, unspooling the serpentine belt. I immediately lost power steering and power brakes. I limped into my friend’s driveway. The repairs were relatively simple, but frustrating and time consuming nonetheless.

But I took it as a sign. All of this has already happened.