Sustainable

The car engine sputtered to a halt, finally cutting out. The damp night air seeped in through the open door. Lestari turned slowly, her dark eyes glistening in the streetlight. A bead of sweat trickled down her jawline, signaling the panic that was beginning to set in .

With slightly trembling hands, she picked up her phone. She dialed each contact, but no one answered. Anxiety grew. Finally, she scrolled further and found a name she had long saved—a man she had once met by chance at the mall, when he helped her carry her groceries.

Lestari hesitated for a moment, then pressed the green button .

The dial tone is heard… and the call is picked up.

In a stuttering voice, Lestari said , “Hello, Steve… it's me, Lestari. Can you help me? My car broke down in the middle of a deserted road…”

He was silent, waiting for an answer from the other side of the phone, with a small hope that now felt very meaningful .