Today, Emily has a bit of a situation at work. An apple slice suddenly flew right at her. Customers in the shop, her colleagues, the store manager, and even the director all witnessed it.
She doesnt look like shed cause trouble, commented the shoppers. The woman responsible for throwing this rather odd insult at Emily appeared respectable: she wore a smart suit, her hair done up freshly, her nails neatly manicured. Her heels were shiny and quite high. So what happened? The staff last saw this woman about two months ago. Theyd had plenty of opportunity to get to know her, as she spent five hours choosing a dress during her last visit.
Are you all truly so lazy and ignorant? she had said back then. No one had been rude; she purchased her dress and left. That was that. Today, she returned with the aim of bringing the dress back. Youd think it was faulty, but noshed simply worn it for two months, grown tired of the colour, and decided to return it, despite the return window being long closed. Emily politely declined her request.
Well then, just process a return claiming a fault, the lady suggested. Im sorry, but we cant do thattheres no apparent fault. If youd like, we can send the dress for inspection, replied Emily.
I havent got the time for that. Just mark it as faulty, the woman demanded, her voice growing louder. I understand you agree, but we cant declare the dress faulty without expert review. Do I have to fly to another country to get an exchange? Emily was baffledwhat did another country have to do with it? What was she talking about? The woman kept on, growing increasingly agitated. The shop manager came out from her office after hearing the commotion.
Whats going on? she asked.
Are you the director? I cant get my money back! the woman shouted.
Can you tell me the date you bought the dress? the director asked.
Why are you all so obsessed with dates? The items faultytheres a mark on it!
Yes, theres a mark, but we cant issue a refund without an inspection. We need to confirm if the mark was there at the time of purchase
Lawlessness, deception everywhere! the woman shrieked, interrupting the director. Emily spoke up again: Im sorry, but youve worn this dress for two months, made a mark on it, and now want to return it. We cant give away things for free, nor can we replace the dress.
Thats when Emily was struck by the apple slice. No one even noticed where the woman had gotten it from. Emily felt horribly insulted and walked out of her job. The woman carried on arguing with both the manager and the director.
Lets just refund her and be rid of her, the manager suggested.
No, replied the director, who always tried to keep the peace, were not going to bend to her demands. Shes come here just to cheat us, and we wont give in to her manipulations. Then she promptly called the police.
The story unfolds right now in London, with all sums discussed in pounds sterling.
