Dear Standard Parking:

Over the weekend, my neighbor noticed that you were towing my car away from its usual spot under the el tracks while I was at dinner.

About an hour later, he realized you had returned it (and parked it backwards, but I'll let that go).

A cynic would say that you towed it in error and then returned it, having realized that it does, indeed, have a legal parking permit hanging from the rear-view mirror.

But I am trying to be less of a cynic and more of a romantic these days. Therefore, I can't help but wonder if your tow truck was inviting my car out for a romantic spin up to Evanston and back.

Make no mistake, I'm flattered. It's not often someone sees beyond the telltale rust and outmoded lines to the great personality within. And it's sweet of you to make sure the car gets home on time, but if you do this again, I'm going to have to talk with you about your intentions. The car is older than most, but it doesn't get around that much. I can't have fly-by-nights like you towing--er, make that toying--with its affections.

One final note: I'm going to be out of town for a couple of days. Back on Monday. While I'm gone, no fair spiriting my car out all night long. It'll just be overtired and cranky when I get home.

Thanks for your consideration.
And don't make me come mess you up.

Love,
B&W