Not Getting His Appoint Across

(We are driving to my dad’s optical appointment in a nearby town. We get caught in traffic, so dad calls ahead to let them know we may be a little late. It is now 4.20pm, and we are less than half a mile away, but we’ve been stuck for 15 minutes and have no idea when we’ll get there.)

Dad: “I’m [name], and I have an appointment at 4.30. I’m stuck in traffic, so I may be a few minutes late.”

Receptionist: “Last name and DOB?”

Dad: *states name and DOB*

Receptionist: “When would you like an appointment?”

Dad: “I have one, at 4:30.”

Receptionist: “We have no slots available at that time.”

Dad: “I already have a 4.30 appointment. I’m calling to let you know I might be a few minutes late.”

(The traffic is now slowly starting to move.)

Receptionist: “So you want a 4:30 appointment? Let me check.”

Dad: “No, I have an appointment today at 4.30.”

Receptionist: “We have no more appointments available today.”

Dad: “Listen. I already have an appointment. It is for today. It is at 4.30.”

Receptionist: “Yes, I see that. It is all booked for you.”

(Traffic has now cleared. It is 4:25, and we are about to park in the car park.)

Dad: “I am ringing to let you know we have been stuck in traffic, and may be a few minutes late.”

Receptionist: “Oh! If you are more than 10 minutes late your appointment will be cancelled.”

Dad: *giving up* “Okay, fine.”

(Quite literally two minutes later, we walk into the opticians. My dad gives his name, and the receptionist looks totally confused. I’m not sure he ever quite understood what was going on.)