"Take a
Number"
by James L.
Weaver
A man in his 40's, enters a
Social Security office, where a uniformed
Security Guard greets him, then instructs him to
"log in" at the nearby computer station,
which he does; typing in his full name.
Seconds later, the device
dispenses a small piece of blue paper with the
number "34" printed on it.
He sits down with the
others; waiting to be called.
As he waits, he watches the
wall of stations, where counselors sit behind
clear, plastic partitions, and consult with those
waiting, whenever their number is called.
When his number is called,
he walks to the vacated chair, and greets the
woman behind the partition.
"Your name is Robert
Earl Mathews?
"Yes."
Your address is 1724
Mission Street?
"Yes."
"Vallejo, California?"
"Yes."
"94590?"
"94590-1724."
"707-648-4799?"
"1."
"28502?"
"1."
"22210?"
"2- 18437."
"18437?"
"1."
"613?"
"55."
"Will there be
anything else?" she asked.
"4."
"You're welcome. Have
a nice day."
"7."
He rose and left.
"37!...number 37!"
she announced.
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