There’s Safe And Then There’s Safer

(Our college is located in one of the top three safest metropolitan areas in the US for a few years running. We’ve just checked in a team of high school girls for a huge sports tournament.)

Chaperone: “There’s no way my team can stay here! Our rooms are motel-style. Anything could happen to our girls! How do I know they’ll be safe?”

Me: “Ma’am, we’ve never experienced any thefts or any other crimes at this hotel. This entire town is quite safe, I assure you.”

Chaperone: “That’s not good enough! How do you know nothing will happen?”

(I look down at the guest’s reservation to notice their team is from the Bronx.)

Me: “Well, ma’am, this isn’t exactly the Bronx.”

(The guest’s jaw drops. Not knowing what to say, she walks away and doesn’t complain again during her stay.)