Always Check Post-Meridiem

I work in an airport hotel. It’s past midnight when two young women come in, lugging six suitcases. They get a room and ask for help with their luggage tomorrow.

Me: “And what time do you need the porter, ma’am?”

Guest: *Yawning* “Ten pm.”

Me: “Ten pm, ma’am?”

Guest: “Uh-huh…”

She seems half-asleep on my counter.

Me: “At night time, ma’am?”

Guest: *Dazedly* “Huh? Why would we need it at night?”

She pauses, and her eyes widen.

Guest: “No! Ten am! AM! We can’t miss that flight. I’m so sorry!”

Me: “No problem, ma’am. Ten in the morning it is. Have a good night’s sleep.”

And that’s why I always check!