In Keith’s words.
“Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here. Thank you for taking part.”
Link to Keith’s post
https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/03/06/kreative-kue-396/
The photo
Customer Care by John W. Howell © 2023
“Good morning. My name is Phonics Philla. Who am I talking to?”
“Uh, my name is John.”
“How may I help you, John?”
“I uh received a package that was damaged.”
“I most certainly can help you with that, John. Do you have an order number?”
“I do. It’s 6747726432963528597312H.”
“Could you repeat that, John? My computer is loading a little slowly today.”
“Ready?”
“Yes, I’m ready.”
“674.”
“Uh-huh. You can give me the rest.”
“7-7-264-329-635-285-973-12H”
“Ah, yes. I see you ordered a greenhouse. You say it was damaged?”
“Yes, the guy just shoved it off the back of the truck.”
“Can you describe the damage?”
“Broken frame and glass.”
“What frame and glass?”
“As far as I can tell, all of them.”
“Hmm. According to the record, you signed for the delivery.”
“Yes, that was before I opened the box.”
“Can you send me a photo of the damage?”
“Can’t you just send me a new one?”
“We have to be sure of the damage, sir.”
“You can’t take my word?”
“Oh, that’s rich, sir. I take your word and send you a new one and then let’s say the old one is still good. So now you have two greenhouses.”
“What on earth would I do with two greenhouses?”
“That’s not for me to say, sir. Can you send a photo?”
“How do you want it?”
“Attach it to an email. Once I get it, I can process your replacement. Oh, wait. That item is out of stock.”
“When will it be back in stock?”
“Hmm. Looks like a twelve-week lead time.”
“I won’t need it in twelve weeks. It will be summer by then. Can I get a refund?”
“I’m sorry, but you bought that item on a close-out special. Unfortunately, there are no refunds.”
“No one told me there were no refunds.”
“You signed the order.”
“I don’t see where it said ‘no refunds.'”
“It’s right on the back. I think you failed to read the terms and conditions.”
“So what can we do?”
“I think you’ll have to wait until the item comes in stock.”
“Do you have a supervisor?”
“I do. Would you like to speak to her?”
“Yes, I would.”
“Please wait while I transfer your call. I’m going to place you on a brief hold.”
“Hello?”
“Yes, hello. Is this the supervisor?”
“No, this is a customer. I want to report a greenhouse damaged in shipment.”
“Wait a minute. I’m on hold with the same problem.”
“Can you issue me a refund?”
“I said I have the same problem.”
“Let me speak to your supervisor.”
The coffee is delivered hot and quick, which is a complete surprise on this sunny Saturday. The first sip usually acts as a mind-awaken potion and serves to remind me of whatever horror is left over from last week. Remembering a visit from Bugs Bunny cannot be classed as something of concern, so the coffee comes with a feeling of peace and contentment.
