The other day, I had forgotten my pen and had stopped by the university bookstore to buy a few of my overpriced books.
While signing for my credit card, I had used one of the bookstore pens in a cup there at the counter. Now, having suffered through my entire day without a pen and then having access to a million of them was just plain overwhelming. I have a greater understanding of a starving person walking through a bakery.
How the pens are so scrumptiously displayed one would assume they're up for grabs. "Would it be OK if I take one of these pens?" I asked hesitantly.
The clerk stopped what she was doing, glanced down at the delicious cup of pens, and then said "Well it depends - some people do."
My mind raced as I tried to determine if that was a yes or a no. The clerk had turned my question into an ethical dilema of agency and free choice.
While still keeping my eyes fixed on hers, I reach over the cup of pens and slowly pull one out - like a treasure hunter carefully picking up some gold from its ancient tomb. Eyes straightforward, I place the pen smartly into my pocket and back away slowly.
Luckily no alarms went off. No security stop. The clerk didn't dive over the counter. They must have been free pens after all.
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