The line wasn't that long - or at least I thought it wasn't (looks can be deceiving and I definitely need a new pair of glasses - so who knows?). The wait seemed to be forever though. And yes, I played schoolyard giraffe trying to peek over the shoulders of those ahead in line to see what was taking so long. Ah ha! As suspected! Excessive talkitis!
The line inched slowly forward, though turtles may have been faster. My turn at last. "Yes... ", she said. Ooops - maybe I was in the wrong line after all. "I stopped in to pick up the forms for the transfer as I was in the ar---". "Your name." the brusque reply. "Chuck Kunzi, and since I was in the ---" "We mailed those last week." "Yes, I know but I was in the ar---" "Well, you have to wait for the forms." "But couldn't you give me another set? I mean, I'm right he----" "No, those were mailed last week. Is there something else we could help you with.." At this point the phone rang. Such sweetness filled the air, it was almost possible the rank smell of my request would dispel in the light chatter which ensued, and ensued, and ensued. At last, after Aunt Tilly's medical condition had been thoroughly described and commented upon, the handset returned to the cradle. "Next!" she clanged while staring a hole through me. "Pardon me, there's one more question before I go? Just how long have you been working here?" "What business is it of yours?" "None, but inquiring minds want to know. And I won't move until you tell me!" "One week." was her terse reply, and I stepped aside for the next vict... customer.
Sauntering down the stairs and out the door into the cold winter air, the dread of the repeat visit clinging to me like the snow flakes dancing, the thought coursed through my unbelieving mind - it doesn't take them long, does it?
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