Americans can be mean to enforce the "right thing"

In my office, i took a pen from stationery rack that mentioned "Finance". While i was trying to take this pen, i saw one of the employees from "Finance" walk past me. I guess he saw me trying to open the box to take a pen. Within 30 seconds, the unit's secretary came by and asked me if i needed help. I told her that i am taking a pen and she curtly said that this belongs to "Finance" unit and locked the door...As i had the pen already in hand, i asked if i can take it and she said YES. It was very unpleasant experience for that 30 cent pen....Shame on me, i was so embarrassed, i decided to write this blog entry.