toaster with something inside

one toaster, with something still in the left slot.

the thrift store had it under a table with three lamps and a plastic deer missing one ear. the toaster was green, square, and labeled sunbeam, which made me pick it up before i checked the price. the thing in the slot was a strip of leather folded over itself. i pulled once and it came out with a button attached.

a woman behind me said, "that was not there before."

i looked at the button. it had a tiny black thread through two holes and a smear of butter on the back. i counted seventy-nine crumbs inside the toaster, then put the leather back because removing it felt like making a claim. the cashier charged me eight dollars and did not ask why the toaster was warm.

at home, i set it beside the 1949 sunbeam. the button is still in the slot. i have to clean the counter before the ants file a complaint.