The following conversation really happened. No wonder my hair has started turning grey.
Me: Good evening. I have booked a ticket online, but it has not given me a reference number.
Company: OK, sir, I will look into it. What's the reference number please?
Me: It didn't give me a reference number. That's why I'm phoning.
Company: What do you mean it didn't give you a reference number?
Me: I mean that it did not give me a reference number.
Company: But you had confirmation that you'd bought the ticket?
Me: Yes.
Company: And what was the reference number on that page.
Me: There wasn't one. That's why I'm phoning you.
Company: There wasn't a reference number?
Me (to wife): Can you talk to this idiot before I have a nervous breakdown?
Elaine: It didn't have a reference number on the page.
Company: Oh I see. Well that's fine, it won't have taken your money. Just go back on the website and try again.
For the full context in which this conversation took place, please see A Web-Based Labyrinth That Would Have Made Borges Or Kafka Delighted
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