Short Short: Long-Distance Relationship for Sale

Near the end of my shift, I slipped into the darkened cafeteria. It had been a busy day. I was sleepy, cold, and above all, thirsty.

The row of vending machines were all sold out, and only an unfamiliar unit in the corner seemed to have any stock left. They were all glowing blue, but I had no choice. Thinking that even a cold drink was better than nothing, I slid in a thousand-yen bill and pressed a button. It made a beep, but I couldn't find the dispensing slot.

"Long-Distance Relationship for Sale." When I turned on the light, I saw a large sticker on the unit. The product shelf was lined with silhouettes of young men and women, and the red button was labeled "So Close," while the blue button was labeled "So Far."

Siberian winters are cold.
A year later, I was at a Siberian branch office where no one else wanted to transfer. The day after I pressed that button on the mysterious vending machine, a remote meeting from Siberia was scheduled. I later heard a rumor that the vending machine was a personnel department scheme. I didn't care. Amidst the blizzard, I opened the door to my home. A warm family was waiting for me.

Short Short No. 742

I am participating in Tarahakani (Nika Tahara)'s weekly short short note.
This week's theme is "Long-Distance Relationship for Sale."

Last week's theme was "The Sunken Temple." For the stylish and pop-culture-loving Hisui-san, there are thoughts submerged that couldn't fit into 410 characters!

Why is it that we always think there's some secret hidden at the bottom of a lake? (Good job on the X installation)