A Few Shades Of Grey Short

(An older lady customer with grey hair is being served by my coworker. I come within earshot just in time to witness this:)

Customer: *points to her head* “Just because there’s grey out here doesn’t mean there’s no more grey inside you know! I don’t appreciate being treated like I’m addled! I can think for myself, you know! My brain does still work!”

Coworker: *clearly taken aback* “Of course. I… I wasn’t trying to imply… I’m sorry, ma’am…”

(I’m wondering what the heck my coworker could possibly have said to set this woman off so badly, but she’s not done ranting yet… By this point my coworker has rung through the purchase: one book. We always ask if people want a bag when it’s a small purchase because a lot of people don’t; they’ll just carry it or put it in their own bag.)

Coworker: “So your total is [amount]. Would you like a bag for that?”

Customer: *looks incredulous* “Would I like a bag?! This is just ridiculous! I have NEVER had such horrible service in here! What is going on today?! Of COURSE I would like a bag! What ELSE am I supposed to do?!”

Coworker: “Well, some people have their own bags…”

Customer: *takes a big step back so we can clearly see all of her over the counter, and spreads her arms out wide in the air* “Do I LOOK like I have a bag?! Honestly! This is just ridiculous! I cannot BELIEVE the service in here today!”

Coworker: *handing over the now bagged book* “Here you go. Have a nice day, ma’am.”

Customer: “You, too.”

(Despite still sounding annoyed, she sounded sincere enough when she said “you, too”, which just made the whole thing even stranger. My coworker and I just looked at each other in disbelief as she left.)