Graham ordered twenty apology cards with his wife’s name inside and blank spaces for future mistakes.
The printer offered a bulk discount. Graham asked for a gift receipt so his wife would not see the price.
The printer added one more card to the order.
Graham asked why he needed twenty-one….
Graham was tired of searching the card shop after an argument.
The sorry cards were always beside the anniversary cards. Standing there usually reminded him of a second problem.
He decided to be organised.
At a little print shop, he asked for twenty cards.
What occasion? the printer asked.
Various.
Birthdays?
Some of those lead to it.
The printer waited.
Apologies, Graham said.
She brought out a sample with a simple flower on the front.
Graham asked whether it could say SORRY, ANNE.
Certainly.
He wanted the inside left mostly blank.
For a personal message?
For the details.
The printer asked whether all twenty were for the same Anne.
We’ve been married thirty-one years.
So you know the likely number?
I’m starting small.
She asked if he wanted envelopes.
Of course.
And stamps?
He said they lived together.
She explained that some people posted cards so they arrived unexpectedly.
Graham said his wife would spot the stamp on their bank statement.
The printer made a note.
He chose thick paper. Anne liked nice paper, and Graham hoped this would count towards his apology.
The printer quoted a price.
Then she said twenty would qualify for a bulk discount.
Graham looked delighted.
Could you put that on the receipt?
Certainly.
He thought for a moment.
Actually, could I have a gift receipt?
The printer put down her pen.
Are these a gift?
No. But a gift receipt doesn’t show the price.
Who will see it?
My wife.
Why will she see a receipt for cards you plan to keep in a drawer?
She finds everything in drawers.
The printer looked at the order again.
Twenty apologies. His wife’s name. Blank spaces for future mistakes.
She asked whether he wanted to collect them tomorrow.
Graham said that would be ideal.
The printer reached for a fresh card.
He asked why she needed twenty-one.
You’ll need one to apologise for buying the other twenty.
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