Unfiltered Story #235503

(I work at a bookstore chain that has an online site and allows for returns in-store.)
Customer: I’d like to make a return, please.
Me: Okay, I can do that for you.
(She has her receipt, her purchase is within the period we allow for returns, and the books are all in pristine condition.)
Me: *Asking the standard procedure question as I ring up the returns* And why are you making this return today?
Customer: *no answer*
(It’s just formalities, so I just look up to her with a smile… to find her crying.)
Me: Ma’am?! Are you all right?!
Customer: I had a miscarriage and don’t need those books anymore.
(This is when I realize all the books she’s returning are books on pregnancy and being new parents, and I feel horrible.)
Me: I’m so sorry! I’m so, so sorry for your loss.
Customer: *Still crying* It’s okay, you couldn’t have known…
(We didn’t say anything else while I finished the return. She’s right that I couldn’t have known, but I still felt horrible about it…)