章 51: This Joke is Not Funny. Because this is a Joke, Right?

Martin quickly found out that he was the only real mechanic working in their car repair shop and that they really needed him here. Teddy knew his stuff, but his eyes, even with his glasses, couldn't see much anymore and his fingers had lost their dexterity, so while he didn't want to admit it, he was no longer fit to fix cars. It was sad because for the old man this workshop was the whole life to which he devoted himself after the death of his son. It was also a place where Dave could earn some money and help support the family, and Sid could find an escape from his abusive father.

The boys were very enthusiastic about the job, but they definitely lacked the knowledge and skills. They could change tires, change engine oil or battery, and make the most common repairs, but when something less common or more complicated came along, they couldn't cope. Martin, being two or three years older than them, seemed to have had ten years more experience.