Past The Point Of No Return

(We have both a bookshop and library. They are divided by a wall and accessible only from outside the building or through a staff-only area. I am working in the bookstore section.)

Customer: “Hey, I was looking for a book for my niece called The Tomorrow Code.”

Me: “We definitely have a copy of that. I was shelving it this morning. Follow me.”

Customer: “So, when is the due date?”

Me: “Pardon?”

Customer: “You know, for the book.”

Me: “Ma’am, I can sell it to you right now.”

Customer: “Yes, I know that. I want to know when I have to return it. My library card number for you guys is [number].”

Me: “You don’t have to return it, ma’am. This is a bookstore, not a library. You keep the book once you’ve bought it.”

Customer: “That’s great, but when do I return it?”

Me: “I, uh, just need to check that on the system.”

(I run to the actual library to check if they have a copy of ‘The Tomorrow Code.’ They do. I go back to the customer.)

Me: “Ma’am, just to make this very clear, this is a shop, not a library. You never return books.”

Customer: “Of course, I know that. Do you think I was born yesterday? Now, when do I have to return this book?”

Me: “Actually, I just found out the copy of the book you’re holding is reserved. I can go get a copy of it from the storeroom if you want.”

Customer: “Just hurry up. This place shouldn’t hire people as thick as you!”

(I run back to the library and issue the book as ‘borrowed’ to her card number.)

Customer: *speaking very slowly* “Thank you, girl. I’m sorry to have told you that you were thick. I should have realised you were special.”