During the Narrator's drive with the mechanic he tries to swerve the car into traffic, making an attempt at ending his life. He is distraught and lost, particularly since Tyler has disappeared. He feels completely weak and naked without him. After the near crash, the mechanic tells the Narrator that he just had a "near life experience." The birthday cake he gives the Narrator can symbolize a sort of rebirth. However, the mechanic mentions that the candles are the type that don't go out. This suggests that Palahniuk is again commenting on the chaos that Project Mayhem has placed in the Narrator's life: like little fires that he can't put out. This can also be taken as an analogy for Tyler Durden. As we will learn, Tyler is the Narrator's creation. He has transitioned from a savior to a monster that cannot be controlled. No matter what the Narrator tries to do, the specter of Tyler continues to exact consequences on his life.