Update below.

I need a 100-plus, I tell myself as a vending machine comes into view. The machine has 100-plus, only 90 cents a can.

Unlike my unluckier days, I have my wallet with me, with plenty of coins too.

I pop in a 50-cent coin. It goes straight down to the coin return compartment.

I pop in another 50-cent coin. The same thing happens.

I then notice that the vending machine isn’t on. Drat.

As I collect my two 50-cent coins from the coin return compartment, I notice a 1-dollar coin. And a 20-cent coin. And a corroded 50-cent coin.

I’m suddenly $1.70 richer.

* * *

A friend dropped me near my place after dinner yesterday. As she was about to drive off into the junction, I noticed a car approaching, and it looked like my friend didn’t notice, so I shouted at her. She almost got hit.

Earlier that day, I was in a cab rushing to a meeting. As we neared the destination, the cabbie kept glancing to the right to see if it was the right place to turn. About 30 metres ahead was a stationary car waiting to turn right. The cabbie looked ahead. 20 metres. He looked to the side again. 10 metres. 5 metres. I shouted at him. Screech. Silence.

* * *

Giving up on the 100-plus, I walk to the nearby hawker centre to get sugarcane juice. The aunty refuses to accept my just-acquired corroded 50-cent coin.

I shall be looking out for vending machines.

* * *

Update

Spotting a vending machine just now, I had to quench my thirst for 100-plus. And of course use up that corroded 50-cent coin.

I pop in the 50-cent coin. It goes straight down to the coin return compartment. All the drinks are sold out.

I try the adjacent machine, which sells 100-plus, but in a cup. Each cup costs 50 cents, which is perfect. I pop in the 50-cent coin, and the buttons light up.

When I sipped the 100-plus, it didn’t have enough gas, it tasted a bit bland, and I had to be careful not to imbibe the 3 floating ants.

Note to self: you get what you pay for.