A Sickening Lack Of Empathy

I am relatively new to a job, so I go in for my shift even though I am feeling sick. Also, it’s my first shift working alone, so I don’t want to burden any coworkers. With two hours left of my shift, I can’t fight it anymore and I start puking in the small staff toilet between the counter and the back room.

I call my manager between bouts of vomiting and explain:

Manager: “You’ve only got two hours left, just hold on.”

Me: “I’m vomiting every fifteen minutes.”

Manager: “Just hold on.” *Click.*

Super helpful! I’m in the bathroom vomiting again about an hour later, when my manager calls me.

Manager: “Where are you?!”

Me: “Bathroom behind the counter, puking my guts out.”

Manager: “I told you to hold on!”

Me: “That’s not anything I have control over.”

Manager: “My friend is at the counter and there’s no one there! Hurry up and serve her!” *Click.*

I wipe myself down and head to the counter. An angry-looking woman is standing there, glaring at me.

Customer: *Sarcastic.* “Finally! Sooooo sorry to interrupt you checking your phone or whatever, but I need service!”

Me: *Not engaging with her tone and trying to get her out as quickly as possible.* “How can I help you?”

Customer: “I need a [flavor and brand] vape pen! And hurry! You’re making me late!”

I reach for the vape pen.

Customer: “No, no! The other one! Honestly [Manager’s Name] needs to hire more competent staff!”

Me: “That is [flavor and brand] vape pen. Is this not what you wanted?”

Customer: *Points.* “No! I wanted that one!”

Me: “That’s the same flavor, but it’s [different brand].”

Customer: “Well obviously that’s what I meant!”

I try to sell her the vape pen but she keeps finding ways to complain. I am feeling continually more unwell as she finds ways to threaten my job and moan about my generation’s work ethic. Eventually, I can’t wait anymore and run towards the toilet.

Customer: “Where are you going?! I’m not done—”

I dry heave spectacularly into the toilet bowl, not closing the door behind me so that the customer gets the full auditory experience. The customer goes silent while I go the opposite. After a moment, I again wipe my face down and return to the counter. Shockingly, the customer is still there.

Customer: “And now you’re working while you’re sick! You could get me sick! Wait until [Manager] hears about this! Your generation, honestly!”

I can’t win…