英文短篇故事（纽约）276 The Dangerous Paper Clip

（单词翻译）

 　　They were walking toward the elevator. He was sucking on a paper clip. They got to the elevator. He pushed the Down button. They waited. He decided¹ to throw out the paper clip. But no trash can was nearby. He didn't want to throw the paper clip on the floor. The elevator door opened. He dropped the paper clip down the elevator shaft². His wife said, "What are you doing? The elevator shaft isn't a trash can. It's part of the elevator system. Maybe that paper clip will land in the motor. Maybe the motor will burn out. Maybe we'll crash to the floor.” She walked out of the elevator. He followed her. "What are you doing?" he asked. She said, "I'm taking the stairs. And so are you." They returned home later that day. A sign on the elevator said, "Please Use Stairs." She said, "I hope nobody died."