When Closing Time Is Closing In On Them
I walk into a fast-food burger place. Before I can even order, the guy at the counter says:
Employee: “We’re closing, dude.”
Me: “You close in ten minutes.”
Employee: “Yeah, so it’s too late to order.”
Me: “If this were a sit-down restaurant, I’d agree with you, but this is a fast food place. I came here because the food is ready… well… fast.”
Employee: *Massive sigh.* “Okay, but the menu is limited.”
Me: “I just want your standard cheeseburger meal, please.”
Employee: “No more cheeseburgers.”
Me: “Uh… you’re a burger place.”
Employee: “That’s what you get for coming in so late.”
Me: “If you’re open, you’re serving food. That’s what opening times are for.”
Employee: “No more burgers at this time of night.”
Me: “Okay, I’ll take the chicken nugg—”
Employee: “—No more chicken.”
I just stare.
Me: “Okay, what do you have?”
Employee: “Sodas, and some fries.”
Me: “So, no freshly cooked food, basically? Just soda from the machine and what looks to be fries that have been sitting under the heater for half an hour.”
Employee: *Shrugs.* “Take it or leave it.”
Me: “I guess I’ll be leaving it.”
I turn to walk out the door, but another customer is walking in at the same time.
Me: *To the other guy.* “Don’t bother going in. They’re still open, but they’re refusing to make any more food.”
Other Guy: “Oh, really? That’s interesting, considering I’m the regional manager and I’m here to help the store manager close…”
I turn to look at the guy at the counter, who heard every word just spoken. He looks considerably paler than just a moment ago.
Other Guy: “*To me.* “What was it you wanted to order? I’m sure these guys will get it for you on the house while I go take care of things.”
I ordered the most expensive, custom, special edition XXL cheeseburger they made, with a soda AND a milkshake, along with a side of chicken nuggets and an apple pie for good measure.
