It’s time, he said. Turn off the lights. The air-conditioner, turn that off too. I’m not a millionaire, the old man declared. Did you turn off the coffeemaker? she nodded. Put some food in the bowl for Norman. Just open the bag and let it out on the kitchen floor. He’ll have plenty. Fill his water, too.

OK, she whispered.

Why are you whispering?

Because you so loud. The neighbors will hear us. They already think we strange.

Is that what you do in the Philippines? Keep quiet? Worry what neighbors think?

OK. OK. Just let’s go.

A couple of duffel bags were placed in the back of the truck. Doors on the old Ford creaked. The engine had trouble starting. A streetlight shined down on them.

Look in the glovebox and get me that flashlight. Amongst papers, a title, some cash, and a bottle of Wild Turkey was a yellow flashlight. The young lady handed it to him. You keep the hood up for me while I look into this.

OK. OK, she could hear the dog barking.

Hold the hood with one hand and the flashlight with the other. Point it where I tell you to. The short woman stood on her tip toes to open the hood. Here, he said. Down here. Shine it on the blue and red wires. Come on now.

OK. OK.

See. This blue one is disconnected.  And the red one is nearly chewed through. The old man placed the blue wire on the battery. That should hold for a while. Get back, he slammed the hood down. Tried to start the truck again. It sputtered and spat. The old Ford would not start. Lights came on next door.

What we do now? she asked.

Why doesn’t anything work for me? Hand me that bottle in the glovebox.

You don’t drink, she said. It make you mad.

I’m already mad. Hand me the whiskey. 

She grabbed the bottle and handed it to him. She smiled. It be alright, she told him. It be OK.

Together, they sat there in the truck as the night became morning. There wasn’t any talking. Just silence. She leaned up against his shoulder. He tried the ignition one more time, and with a whine, it started.

The dog continued barking.