The Terrible Twos

(I work at a children’s clothing store. The clothing sizes are matched to age, to make shopping easier; a size four is for a four-year-old child, size two for a two-year-old, etc. A customer is rifling through shirts on a table.)

Me: “Good morning! Can I help you at all?”

Customer: “Oh, yes, could you find me a t-shirt for a 24-month-old? I can’t seem to find one.”

(She hands me the shirt.)

Me: “Oh, but this shirt is the correct size.”

Customer: “No, the tag on that one says two for a two-year-old. My child is only 24 months.”

Me: *trying desperately not to laugh* “Ma’am, 24 months is the same as two years.”

Customer: “No, it isn’t! I want a 24-month size!”

Me: “Um, well… There’s 12 months in a year, and 12 multiplied by two, for two years, is 24.”

Customer: *long pause* “Oh.”