“Mr. Gangreen’s office, this is Renee speaking. How may I help you?”
“Hi… This is Kai Wardly. I paid for a seat on Mr. Gangreen’s space flight for next April. Um… I’m sorry to say that I won’t be able to make that flight anymore. You see, my wife is having a baby next April and um, she doesn’t, I mean, we’re going to need that money for the baby… Can I cancel the trip and get a refund?”
RENEE: “I’ll see if Mr. Gangreen is available.”
GANGREEN: “Hi Jake, Gangreen speaking.”
KAI: “Um. Hi Mr. Gangreen. I was just saying that I bought a seat on your space flight next April, and I won’t be able to take that flight anymore. My wife is having a baby in April, and um, I’m going to have to request a refund.”
GANGREEN: “Okay Sean, but what does your wife have to do with your trip?”
KAI: “Well, she’s my wife. And uh… we’re having a daughter.”
GANGREEN: “You didn’t answer my question, Ken. Anyways, that doesn’t matter. What do you want me to do?”
KAI: “Um… can I get a refund? I paid two hundred fifty thousand dollars for this… and that’s a lot of money… Uh, you know.”
GANGREEN: “Listen, Kai. You’re the kind of guy who doesn’t correct someone when they get your name wrong. You can’t make a decision on your own. I’m surprised you still have money at all. Let me tell you a truth. You signed a contract that says I don’t have to refund you a penny. I know I can get away with not refunding you a penny because you won’t stand up for yourself. But I feel sorry for you. I’ll give you back $50K today. Consider the other $200K your tuition.”
KAI: “…”
GANGREEN: “Your kid’s gonna be fine. Goodbye, Kai.”