Tuesday – Anything Possible – Short Story

~ John W. Howell

 

“Hush. Bailey’s asleep.”
“Just resting my eyes Lucy.”

As you may know, Keith Channing has taken the month of November to craft another Na-No-Wri-Mo 50,000 word novel.  Therefore I am promptless for Tuesday. Since I have titled this day as anything possible, I thought I would offer a short story. This story is based on an actual incident at our local store where the ending was not so gracious. Needless to say, I was taken back by the lack of customer service.

A request by John W. Howell

“Excuse me.”

“Yes?”

“I see you are out of ham puree baby food.”

“Yeah, so?”

“I wonder if you could order some.”

“The truck comes in on Saturday.”

“Could you check to see if you ordered some more. You see my dog is very ill and she likes the ham variety. It is the only thing I can get her to eat.”

“Pet food is on aisle six.”

“I know that. I’m asking you to go into the office and look at the order book to see if anyone ordered the ham puree baby food.”

“Didn’t you say it was for your dog?”

“I did.”

“So why don’t you just buy the dog food and let it go at that.”

“I told you. The ham variety of baby food is the only thing she will eat.”

“I don’t have time to check right now. I’m sure it is ordered.”

“I bought the last twelve jars last Friday, and no more have come in.”

“See that’s the problem. We order on Wednesday, and so the truck will be here Saturday.”

“Please check.”

“I told you I don’t have time.”

“Can you make time?”

“For who? You?”

“No. Why don’t you do it because it is the right and proper thing for one human to do for another. You are human, aren’t you?

“I think I can find the time.”

“Perfect.”

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

51 thoughts on “Tuesday – Anything Possible – Short Story”

  5. You may have to take Tiny shopping with you. Customer service, and the lack thereof, brings such a wide range of horror stories, John. I think you hit the nail on the head – “be human” – yep. that should cover it.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. The look on Lucy’s face breaks my heart. She knows her buddy is sick. You can see it in her eyes. Loved the story, John and yes, there are still a few “humans” left out there. My heart is with you guys.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Lucy’s photo is priceless. Maybe you could take her shopping with you. Who could possibly resist her pleading eyes? Certainly not a human. 😀

    Liked by 2 people

  9. So sad that people don’t have time to help out anymore, especially when–in this case–it was part of their job.I know you said the ending of the original story was not so gracious, but I hope the point was still driven home. And I hope Bailey gets all the ham puree baby food she needs. To avoid aggravation in the future, maybe order online??
    Hugs to your sweet girl!

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Wow. This shouldn’t surprise me, but somehow, it always gets me. It’s difficult to go into a store or supermarket and actually run into someone that enjoys their job and isn’t completely bitter and miserable. I hope Bailey got her ham baby food and is doing much better, John. I’m sorry you had to go through that.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. It sounds so familiar, John. I feel like it’s the robot repeating those words. You’re so kind not to ask for his supervisor. Sorry to hear Bailey not doing well. She is like your baby, so baby food is just right for her.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. As I mentioned the real story did not turn out as graciously as mine. There was no learning on the part of the clerk. I have no idea if they ordered the ham or not since I haven’t been back.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I don’t blame you for not going back. I wonder if you could try ordering through Amazon. I was surprised at how many different things you can get through them. I understand they now have a grocery section. —- Suzanne

    Liked by 1 person

  16. How rude! I’m glad the person finally checked for you. I’d check with another store though if you have one. I use a little mom and pop shop to get Diva Dog’s food. They are so nice, and always helpful. I pay more than going to the larger big box pet store, but the service isn’t the same.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. John,

    I would sooner check on a dog’s favorite food than a toddler’s, lol. Because the former doesn’t ask for much while the latter is just getting started with all the many things they will ask for . . .

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Having worked in customer service pretty much my whole life that just absolutely appalls me. Are there no consequences for poor customer service anymore??!! That lady would have no purpose for work if it wasn’t for those customers.

    Liked by 1 person

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