46 Reminiscing (1)

William started reminiscing about their childhood when he got home.

After Mia's birthday party and with her mother's approval for me to visit, I would always accompany Mia home. When we pass by the shopping district I would buy her small snacks sometimes, like ice cream, cotton candy, chocolates. Every time we pass by this way, she would look at the claw machine with the stuff animals inside. It looks like she wanted one but she never asks me to stop so we can play.

I have never been good at those kinds of games, so one weekend I went there to try. I saved up some of my allowance to exchange for tokens. I was full of determination while I stand in front of the claw machine, thinking of the cutest stuff animal inside the machine. With a hand full of tokens and hope that I can get Mia one, I started playing.

First one was a total miss. I did not even touch the stuffed toy. I must need more practice since this was my first time, I thought to myself.

The second time I was able to touch the leg, but it didn't hook it efficiently as the claw was not able to hold just the leg.

The third time was a charm, as they said so I looked at the side of the machine thinking that I might have misaligned or the glass must have been playing tricks on my eyes. As I was sure I got the right measurement, I inserted another token. I clicked right, then a little up, down, I waited for the claw to stop shaking then pushed GO. The claw was able to touch the body of the bear, but when it was about to lift it up the claw let go.

I was enraged when that happened, but I thought that I should still try as I have more tokens to spend.

Fourth, fifth, sixth

I did not know how long I was playing at the claw machine but when I grabbed for some more token in my shorts pocket. All of my tokens are gone, I thought I would be able to get one with 30 tokens, but I was wrong. Feeling downhearted, I went back home without any prize to show for all the determination for that day. I felt drained, I said to myself that I'm never going to play at that claw machine, ever.

Monday came and as I was accompanying Mia to their house, I saw her looking at the claw machine again. This time there are new dolls with cute dresses inside, as I saw her sparkling eyes looking at the dolls, my determination was ignited again. The weekend came and I went to the arcade to try my luck. This time I was more prepared as I have experience from last week's defeat and I have prepared 50 pieces of tokens to use.

First try...

Second try...

Third try...

Fourth try...

Fifth try was good as I was able to lift the doll, it moved to the side a bit.

Twentieth try, the doll was almost to the chute but the claw let go before it could reach it.

It was good progress as all I need to do was push the doll to the chute to get my rewards. However, the more I tried the more the doll was pushed back and I couldn't get it no matter how I tried. That day I came home totally defeated. I told myself that I should avoid stopping near that place so Mia won't see the dolls.

To take her mind off of the claw machine, I decided to bring her to the shop where I bought the rabbit. The grandma was pretty nice there and I might find something better to give Mia rather than spending all of my money on a claw machine that doesn't give me any prize.

Although Mia was very happy when we went around the shop, I was totally embarrassed as grandma told the story of how I ended up buying the rabbit. I was embarrassed but it was worth it, seeing the beaming smile on Mia's face.

As we went home, I tried avoiding my gaze when we went past the claw machine, but as if it was mocking me, Mia who was beside me suddenly yelped. I was scared to look at what she saw but due to my curiosity, I gave in. And there it was, the claw machine was standing there all high and mighty, while inside where a new set of stuffed animals that you can get in pairs. Like a boy and girl bear, rabbit, cats, and dogs.

It was my loss as Mia was very fond of animals to begin with. The third weekend came and with no hope of winning any prize, I got to the arcade and exchange my money at the counter. I think the cashier has recognized me as some big spender.

This time though I was not in defeat, with 60 tokens I was able to get a pair of dolls. Although it was the wrong pair, as it was a girl cat and a boy bear, I did not mind as it was my success. Monday came and I was so excited, I brought along the two stuffed animals and gave both to Mia.

I lied though, saying it was very easy to get them and that I didn't have to try hard.

Mia with sparkling eyes asked me, "Really?" and as if it was natural I said "Yes" with total confidence. Mia then asked for the right pairs of the two which I already got for her.

I wanted to punch myself in the face, me and my big mouth got me into trouble. Since then I would spend my weekends on the claw machine. The only good thing was Mia feeding me every day so I saved up a lot of money and at the end, I got so good at claw machines that I was banned from the arcade.

Original novel by Chuchuwachuwa