Three Numbers That Don't

I found the padlock on the garage shelf.

Haven't opened it in over a year.

The dial turned under my thumb.

Smooth. Easy. Useless.

I'd written down three combinations.

Three Post-its with three different versions.

17-34-8. Nothing.

17-34-6. Nothing.

12-35-8. The dial just kept turning.

The lock would catch then release,

catch then release,

that small mechanical disappointment

every time I thought I had it.

I called someone who used to know.

They didn't remember either.

Said maybe 17-36-something.

Maybe.

The padlock stayed locked.

I don't even know what I thought

was worth keeping anymore.

The dial turns smooth under my thumb.

Still easy.

Still not opening.