After a long workout at 24 Hour Fitness, you and Lauren finally walked out into the cool night air, both of you still slightly sweaty, sipping water and laughing about your miserable attempts at squats.

But as you made your way into the parking lot… something felt off.

“Wait… where did we park again?” you asked, pausing and looking around. Lauren frowned. “I thought we parked over by that light pole… right? Like, next to the silver truck?”

You both stood still, scanning the rows of cars.

The truck was there.

Your car?

Gone.

“…No. No way,” you said slowly, walking forward. “Maybe we parked in the next row?” Lauren followed, a nervous laugh escaping. “No, I know we were by that pole. I remember you making fun of that dented bumper next to us.”

A few more laps around the parking lot and it was official—your car wasn’t where it should be.

“Okay,” you said, spinning around in circles. “This has to be a prank. You’re pranking me. You planned this.” Lauren crossed her arms. “Why would I prank myself? My hoodie is in there!”

You both just stood there in stunned silence. Could someone have actually stolen your car? From a gym parking lot? While you were inside for less than two hours?

Lauren pulled out her phone. “I’m calling the non-emergency line. And also checking the Find My app just in case.” You leaned against the railing, running a hand through your hair. “This is unreal. We were literally just getting our lives together and now—boom—no car.”

After five minutes of confusion and half-panicked planning, Lauren suddenly paused.

“Wait a second…” she squinted at the far corner of the lot. “Isn’t that… our car?”

You followed her gaze—and sure enough, there it was. At the very opposite end of the lot.

You both started speed walking toward it. Lauren glared at you. “You said you parked by the truck.” “You said you remembered the pole!” “Next time, you drive.”

As you finally reached the car, Lauren opened the door and sighed with relief. “Never telling anyone about this.”