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