Summary

The narrative revolves around a humorous yet philosophical debate over sharing the last chip from a plate of hot chips in a busy diner.

Abstract

In a busy diner, a story unfolds where a character pleads for a single chip from another's ample portion, citing a substitution with salad as a healthier choice. The request leads to a comedic yet profound exchange about the significance of the last chip, touching on themes of thoughtlessness, greed, and the sanctity of personal dining experiences. The dialogue escalates into a discussion on the emotional impact of not having the anticipated 'last chip moment' and the perfect synergy of food and condiment, culminating in the refusal to share, and ultimately, the consumption of the coveted last chip amidst the ongoing conversation.

Opinions

The last chip holds a special significance to the eater, akin to achieving true closure with a meal.
Sharing the last chip is likened to giving away one's last breath, suggesting it's an unreasonable request.
The act of forgetting to save a chip is seen as thoughtless, breaking an earlier agreement.
The importance of the last chip is downplayed by comparing it to more significant sacrifices, like giving away one's last breath.
The emotional disturbance of not having a true 'last chip moment' is emphasized, as is the preparation for the final dip in ketchup.
The refusal to share is defended by the belief that sharing the last chip would disrupt the universe's balance.
The final act of eating the last chip during the discussion is perceived as selfish and dismissive of the earlier promise to share.

The Last Chip

A truthful story played out in a busy diner… ! It’s not as good as The Last Samurai … but it’s damn close.

Photo by Pixzolo Photography on Unsplash

Oh … you just got a portion of hot chips. Lucky you, I love hot chips. Could you save me one?

Why don’t you get your own portion?

I don’t want a whole portion. I only want ONE … for the taste … I’m substituting with salad instead. Is it a problem to give me ONE of your many chips?

Okay then – so you’ll save me one chip?

Yes, OK – sure.

Oiy - I asked you to save me a chip …

Oh sorry, I’ve only got one left. I Forgot. Silly me.

We had an agreement. Bit thoughtless don’t you think? Luckily I remembered just in time, there is still one left.

I FORGOT! It had nothing to do with thoughtlessless. But … as an aside, would you give me your last breath.

No – of course not. Ridiculous comparison.

Exactly

It’s not nearly the same thing.

Totally is …

I’d die if I gave you my last breath – are you gonna die handing over a stupid CHIP?

I could die handing you this last chip … it’s a possibility … AND what if you dropped it on the floor during the chip exchange.

A) You wouldn’t die … and 2) I’d not drop it.

That’s what Ronnie Baker said when asked if he’d ever drop the baton … and he did

Public Domain -Fred Kerley (left) and Ronnie Baker botch the baton hand-off in the 4×100 relay.

I only wanted one – please can I have that last one.

No!

Why not? You’ve had an entire plate of chips … I just want one! … pleeease. Don’t be greedy.

Nothing to do with greed! If I give you my last one – then it wouldn’t be MY last one – instead it will become YOUR first one … And I’ll have already had my last one. It sort of throws the universe out of whack !

So what? I think you’re overreacting. It’s just a chip

No … it’s NOT just a chip, it’s my LAST chip! But if I give it to you, my penultimate chip is promoted to be my last chip, which I‘ve now already eaten. And I’m robbed of the pleasure of the last chip moment.

What are you talking about — “last chip moment”…

The buildup to finishing exactly what you had in mind when you order something to eat, and it’s a perfect food choice and quantity.

So your final answer is NO!

Yes

No.way. … I can’t believe this. I was so looking forward to that ONE measly chip. Why?

(Sighing) Because there is only true closure when you eat your last chip, last. If you think you’ve got a last chip, but you don’t … and your last chip was in fact your penultimate chip, it’s emotionally very disturbing.

Plus I’ve got a perfect amount of ketchup saved for one last dip … to be utilized on my one last chip. I’ve prepared for this exact dining-synergistic-experience.

I feel robbed! You did say you’d save me one.

You can’t be robbed of something you never owned. It was an honest mista …

“chomp”

Unbelievable … you’re so selfish. You ate it mid discussion. I could have still convinced you. Who does that? That was the last straw!

No, … That was – The Last Chip!