"Filthy animals," muttered Carlos as he wiped a dirty smudge off the front glass panel.
He sprayed some more detergent and kept wiping it until it was smooth and shiny. "There you are, Maria, as good as new", he smiled at the vending machine, and the machine glowed back.
Yes, he had a name for it — Maria.
"Isn't she a beauty?" he winked at the young boy who was curiously watching the elaborate cleaning routine that Carlos enjoyed so much. The boy grinned and ran back to his mother, who was squinting her eyes, trying to find their flight on the giant screen.
Carlos's phone rang. It was his boss.
"Have you restocked the machine, Carlos?"
"Yeah, Mike. We didn't sell a lot yesterday. Just a bunch of cola drinks and some candy."
"Ah. I don't get it — all other machines are selling very well. It's the damn location..."
"I think today will be better. Just saw a boy get some candy from the machine," Carlos lied.
After hanging up, Carlos looked at Maria. She was his job — and perhaps his life.
A few years ago, he was in charge of all the machines of Terminal A of the airport. He led a busy life, running from one part to another, restocking and cleaning those. He used to get invited to team dinners when the big guys from the headquarters visited the airport.
But things changed after the damn knee surgery.
Although he tried, Carlos wasn't quick any more. And his boss, Mike, noted that too when he saw many of the machines in a sorry state.
Carlos knew Mike respected him and cared about him. That's why, although Mike hired young Ben to take care of all the machines, he left Maria to Carlos — to save his job.
After all, who'd hire a 56-year-old man with a bad knee?
YOU ARE READING
The Vending Machine that sold Luck
Short StoryCarlos, the caretaker of a vending machine, realises that it's not an ordinary machine - it sells luck. What happens next? Will Carlos's life remain the same? Read about the emotional roller-coaster ride Carlos goes through.
