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The original was posted on /r/tifu by /u/remirixjones on 2025-07-29 19:29:24+00:00.

This all started because my watch strap broke. I’ve worn the same model of $25 Casio watch for over a decade now. I tried to fix my watch to no avail, so I figured I’d pop into Walmart before my therapy appointment to pick up a new one. As a neurodivergent person, I fucking hate Walmart. But I figure I’ve got a whole therapy session to complain about it lol.

They didn’t have my watch model in stock. Not having a watch really messes with me, so I bought a similar model that seemed to fit my needs. Crisis mitigated. I’m not thrilled with the change, but it’s something.

I now have exactly enough time to get to therapy…and my car won’t start. No worries, I’ve had problems with the engine control relay overheating. I pop the hood, pull it out, and cool it down. That usually works, but it didn’t this time. I call my therapist’s office and tell them I’ll be a few minutes late. Being late makes me hella anxious. Phone calls make me hella anxious. And Walmart makes me overstimulated AF. But I’m still functional at this point.

As I’m about to put the relay back in place, I drop it into the engine compartment. Fuck. I can’t find it. I call my therapist’s office again to let them know what happened, and that I’m not sure when I’ll make it to my appointment. I’m 6km from the office. I’m too dysregulated to get an Uber or a taxi, and my phone is down to 9% battery.

So I do what any strong independent 31yo Autistic does: I call my parents. After a bit of discussion, my dad says he’s going to drive out to help me find the relay that I’ve dropped in my engine. He drove 20km [40km total] to come help me cos I was on the verge of a meltdown. Absolute legend!

Happy ending: we fished the relay out of the engine bay, and I got my car started. My therapist was very understanding, and I was able to reschedule. And my dad got to try out a new Walmart, so he had a good time lol.

I’d love it if everyone could comment “thanks Dad!” cos I want to send this post to him. I want to make his day!

TL;DR: tried to complete a simple errand before a therapy appointment, but then my car wouldn’t start. Tried to fix the problem, as I have many times, but dropped a critical component into the engine bay and couldn’t find it. My dad drove a total of 40km to help me! Please comment “thanks Dad!” to make his day.