If Only They’d Float Away

I work at a hardware store that is also an old-fashioned five and ten store. At my register, we also offer helium balloons. We offer preorder and walk-in services. If a customer has had the foresight to come in and place an order to be picked up at a certain time, then they have priority over walk-in customers.

Customer: “I’d like to buy some helium balloons.”

Me: “Okay, I have an order ahead of you, but I’ll be with you in a bit.”

Customer: “But they’re not here! I’m here now, and I shouldn’t have to wait!”

Me: “They ordered before you came in, and they scheduled their order to be picked up at a particular time. I have to take care of that first.”

The woman starts chanting.

Customer: “I’m going to walk! I’m going to walk!”

I wanted to tell her to take a hike! Instead, I continued to do the current order.