Always Using The Same Old Line

(I am standing in line, and in front of me is an older couple. The couple have been complaining out loud the same thing over and over again: they should have more registers open, there should be more workers, the wait is so long, so on and so forth. I’m patient, and spend my time reading an ebook on my phone.)

Old Man: *suddenly, to me* “What time is it?”

Me: *I look down at my phone* “It’s 12.”

(The old man says nothing, still looking at me like he’s waiting for me to answer.)

Me: “Um… yeah, 12.” *I go back to reading*

Old Man: *turns back to his wife, mumbling* “Can’t even get off their phones…”

(After hearing them complain nonstop and now insulting me over nothing, I decide I have had enough.)

Me: “Oh, fine. Let me be more like you.” *I raise my voice dramatically* “OH, THESE LONG LINES! THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE! EVEN THOUGH IT’S BEEN MOVING STEADILY, I’D RATHER COMPLAIN OUT LOUD FOR EVERYONE TO HEAR!”

(Pause.)

Me: “Nah, that was boring. I prefer reading my book.” *goes back to phone*

(The old couple stopped complaining after that.)