This Is How I Learnt to Live

The close-door button in my elevator has not worked since 2008. The building manager told me this casually, while pressing it three times. I asked why they keep it. He said, "People need something to do." The button does not close the door. It gives waiting a job. Without it, ten seconds belongs to the building. With it, the passenger can believe the ten seconds responded to management. Most control may be this exact arrangement: a disconnected button, a patient machine, and a person grateful to have been consulted.

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