Collected Lighters

Author: Dexin Kong
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3831-5725
Structured and refined with assistance from ChatGPT
AI Automatic Translation (Unreviewed)

Fragment

Passengers are not allowed to carry cigarette lighters onto airplanes.

This rule has existed for decades.

Because of this, there is usually a collection box placed beside the security checkpoint.

Before entering security, travelers throw their lighters into the box.

Later, these “collected” lighters are placed again near the exit area of the arrival hall.

People who have just landed can take one for free if they need it.

For a long time, nobody thought there was anything strange about this arrangement.

Until more than ten years ago, during one of my business trips.

After landing, I walked to the place where lighters were usually available.

It was empty.

Not a single lighter remained.

“Forget it.”

I continued walking toward the taxi area.

Near the entrance of the airport hall, several street vendors were selling lighters.

I instinctively reached for my wallet, but suddenly paused.

I noticed that the lighters were all different colors and styles.

Most of them had visible scratches and wear.

They were obviously used.

A strange curiosity suddenly appeared.

I turned around and walked back toward the security checkpoint in the departure hall.

Near the collection box, two young men were standing there.

Judging from their clothing, they were probably locals.

Whenever travelers threw lighters into the box, they reached in and took them back out.

I stood there watching for a while.

Then I turned around and went to wait for my taxi.

Since that day, I have kept a habit until today.

Whenever I travel by plane, I leave my lighter outside, in the smoking area before entering the airport hall.

Note:
This project is an ongoing independent research effort developed in spare time.
Because of limited time and maintenance capacity,
English documents may contain translation inaccuracies or semantic deviations from the original Chinese texts.
The Chinese version remains the primary reference whenever ambiguity exists.