Maybe That Dog Chose To Die…

Patron: “Do you have any books that can help me tell my son that my dog died?”

Me: “Of course.” *shows her the section and leaves her to look*

Patron: *coming back to me* “All those books are for children.”

Me: “Yes. They’re for helping parents explain death to children.”

Patron: “My son is a little too old for them.”

Me: “Oh. How old is he?”

Patron: “42.”

Me: “…”

Patron: “He didn’t really know the dog either. But I don’t want him to cry. I hate it when my children cry. I used to hit them when they did it.”

Me: *speechless*

Patron: “Oh, well. I guess I will just have to risk it. I don’t think I have the upper body strength to hit him anymore, though.” *walks away*

(And the Parent of the Year goes to…)