Alan Staring At A Computer Gumball

Amon Skres

2 min read

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19-01-2025

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The fluorescent lights hummed a monotonous tune, a counterpoint to the frantic clicking of Alan's keyboard. He wasn't writing code, not designing graphics, not even browsing the internet. Alan was staring, utterly captivated, at a single gumball. Not just any gumball, mind you, but a gumball nestled within the translucent plastic casing of a discarded computer mouse.

This wasn't a new mouse; it was ancient, its cord frayed and its buttons unresponsive. Yet, within its clear, cracked shell resided a vibrant, almost luminous, gumball – a perfect sphere of impossible cerulean blue. It sat there, defying gravity, a tiny jewel in a sea of discarded electronics.

The Allure of the Unexpected

Alan, a man whose life was meticulously organized, whose days were ruled by deadlines and spreadsheets, found himself utterly mesmerized. The gumball, a symbol of childhood simplicity and vibrant color, contrasted starkly with the sterile environment of his office. It was a jarring, surreal juxtaposition. The computer mouse, a tool of modern efficiency, now served as a bizarre display case for this whimsical orb.

He considered the implications. Was it a commentary on the ephemeral nature of technology, quickly replaced and discarded? Was the gumball a symbol of forgotten joy, a relic of a simpler time? Or was it merely a quirky piece of office detritus, a minor absurdity in an otherwise predictable day?

A Moment of Pause

The questions tumbled in Alan's mind, a stark contrast to the usual linear flow of his thoughts. He found himself drawn to the gumball's hypnotic quality, its smooth surface reflecting the harsh fluorescent light. For the first time in what felt like weeks, Alan felt a disconnect from the relentless pressure of his work. He found himself lost in the simple act of observation.

The gumball, in its unexpected location, had become a microcosm of life itself – a reminder that even in the most mundane settings, the extraordinary can arise. It was a tiny, beautiful interruption in the ceaseless hum of the digital world, a moment of unexpected contemplation in the midst of a busy day.

It's difficult to say how long Alan stared at the gumball before snapping back to reality, but the experience served as a potent reminder of the importance of pausing, observing, and finding wonder in the unexpected. The simple act of appreciating the absurd, of finding beauty in the seemingly insignificant, can be profoundly enriching. And in the end, maybe that's what truly matters.