A white van, wanting to turn left into the road beside the buggy, stalls in the intersection, guns its engine and spews black smoke. A giant livestock truck brakes on its way through and stops, giving the van time. Although it has the right-of-way, it would have a more comfortable passage if the van were out of the way. The flocks of pigeons that regularly sun themselves on the hotel roof are disturbed and take flight. Tired of waiting, the great truck begins to move carefully through, down the slight dip, past the van and making a slow-speed roar, past the horse. The horse backs only a little, reins steadied in the woman’s hands. His ears flick and his head lifts, not liking the sound or the smoke from the van. The truck, with its living load, blocks views of both church and hotel in passing. It grinds uphill and through town. People have been slowed to a stop, watching to see how it will all settle out.

Finally, with much engine-racing ado, the van completes its turn. The woman in the buggy begins to watch again for her chance - and it comes. The street momentarily clear, she slackens and snaps the reins, clip-clopping across and up beside the church.

Everyone breathes a sigh of relief and goes about their business.

Give a Wide Berth Advice for car drivers from a buggy driver Stay back from buggies when at a stop sign or light. The horse may fidget and back up into your car if you are too close. Be careful not to blow horns, rev engines, or squeal brakes around buggies; this may spook the horse. Slow down and leave plenty of room when passing a buggy; no one can predict what a horse may do. Dim headlights when approaching a buggy head-on so as to not blind the horse or driver. If there is snow or rain, give an especially wide berth when passing a buggy to avoid spraying and possibly spooking the horse.