Horror

It's that sinking feeling at first.

You throw open your bag and sort through your stuff. Time to charge the iPod.

It's gone.

Panic follows.

Where did you see it last?

Work. You're pretty sure you put it in the bag.

Okay, then what followed?

Got in the car. Drove. Dropped the car at the mechanic.

Did you open the bag?

Yes. Put the stereo faceplate away. Sealed the bag. Went in and dropped off the keys.

Did you open the bag again?

No.

Then?

Train. Never opened the bag on the train. After that it was home and you discovered the iPod is not, in fact, in the bag.

So... likely scenarios are:

- it's at work

- it's lying about in your car

You hope nobody visits your cube at work and gets sticky fingers. It's unlikely. They're pretty good there.

You hope your mechanic doesn't see it and decide to pocket it. Also unlikely. You've picked them 'cause they're pretty solid.

You exhale slowly and calm yourself.

Barely.