The ATM

As I stood in the ATM queue, I couldn’t help but think that time moves slower here than anywhere else in the world.

Maybe it’s because the people in front of me are taking forever to withdraw their money. Or maybe it’s because the machine is moving slower than a snail on a Sunday morning. Whatever it is, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be here all day.

I look around and see the same defeated expression on everyone’s faces. We’re all just waiting for our turn to be disappointed by the ATM.

Finally, the person in front of me finishes and it’s my turn to make my withdrawal.

I take out my card and slide it in, praying that this won’t be a waste of time. But of course, it is. The machine tells me there’s not enough cash available. So I step out of line to try a different ATM, only to find another long queue.

I’m beginning to think that ATM queues are the new amusement parks. We’re all waiting in line for a ride that we know won’t be worth it. I start to wonder if it’s all worth the effort.

Maybe I should just go back home and sleep. But then I remember that I need cash to buy food and there is nothing in my refrigerator except half an apple which looks gross.

So I grit my teeth and get back in line.

As I wait, I watch people come and go, some with bags of money, others with nothing.

I start to wonder what it is that makes some people luckier than others. Maybe it’s all about timing. Maybe there’s a secret code to getting money from the ATM. Maybe I should have brought a lucky charm with me.

But then I snap out of my thoughts as it’s my turn again. I take a deep breath and slide in my card.

And what do you know, the machine actually works this time.

I breathe a sigh of relief as I take my money and step away from the ATM. But then I remember that I need to check my balance too. I turn around and see the line has grown even longer. So I decide to wait until another day.

As I walk away from the ATM, I can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Maybe the real treasure was the friends we made along the way. Or maybe it was the cash in our pockets. Either way, I’m glad that ATM queue is behind me.

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Shabana Mukhtar