The Last Washing Machine

Lena carried a basket of clothes into the laundry room on Saturday. Only one washing machine was free. She put her basket beside it and went to get some coins. When she came back, a man was standing near the machine with a large bag.

Lena thought he wanted to use it first. She was ready to explain that her basket was already there. Then he pointed to a red light above the door. The machine was free because it was broken. A small sign on the wall said the same thing.

The man showed her another machine that would finish in five minutes. Lena sat down and waited. She was glad she had listened before getting upset. Next Saturday, she looked at the lights before choosing a machine.