They Are Not E-volving
(I am manning the checkout at a bookstore when a woman approaches me.)
Customer: “Hello. Could you show me where the e-books are?”
Me: “As in the readers?”
Customer: “No, the books.”
Me: “The books are electronic. They’re bought online and downloaded to an e-reader.”
Customer: “I know that! But I want to know where they are!”
Me: “Well, [Brand] books are available on [Website], as well as [Other Brand]. We sell vouchers for both of them, if that’s what you’re asking for?”
Customer: *looking at me like I’m stupid* “Can someone else help me? You don’t know.”
Colleague: “Yes, madam?”
Customer: “Where are your e-books?”
Colleague: “The readers are over there.”
Customer: *huffs* “Why can no one answer this simple question?! WHERE ARE THE E-BOOKS?!”
Me: “Madam, I’ve already told you, they’re bought online.”
Customer: “Then what is all this for?!” *gestures to the entire store*
Colleague: “Umm, we’re a bookstore. A… paper… bookstore.”
Customer: “Paper? No one reads on paper anymore! If you aren’t willing to help me, I’ll take my business elsewhere!” *walks out*
(We both look at each other.)
Colleague: “Well, that’s my first crazy for the day, and I only started fifteen minutes ago!”