Vending My Frustration

I stepped up to the office vending machine and inserted my dollar. At first, it rejected my crisp single but I fed it in once more and the machine greedily accepted this time. I quickly scanned my options and saw a small bag of Cheez-its in the upper right-hand corner that looked good. I eagerly depressed the keystrokes and waited for my crackers tumble.

But the bag didn’t fall.

Somehow it got stuck up there. I looked around incredulously as I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. Anxiously, I tapped the glass in hopes that it would be inspired to release itself, but to no avail. I then tried to shake the machine, without making too much noise (since someone’s office is right around the corner) and still the crackers wouldn’t fall. The bag was visibly shrinking slowly to the earth, but it was caught on something and wouldn’t release.

I finally gave up on that bag and feeling frustrated with the whole thing, used my remaining 50 cents to buy a packet of Gardetto’s located on the very bottom row. They slipped out easily as if out to prove something. I grabbed my bag and gave the machine one last shake, but still with no luck.

Just as I started to turn I pondered why didn’t I just hit the same number and get 2 bags of crackers instead of just walking out with one. It looks like my stomach and frustration won out on me. I sighed and walked away. It was the first and last time I will ever use the office vending machine.