The Shaky Telemarketer

A few weeks ago I bought a last-second, obstructed-view ticket to the philharmonic. Even if you're not a fan of classical music, I recommend the experience. Though it was obstructed view, I could see the percussionist who played the triangle, the bike horns, and the cymbals. He only played three notes the entire evening. I found myself wondering if he found his job fulfilling. Fast forward to last night: my phone rings, it's a number I don't recognize, but it's local so I grab it. An old woman in a shaky, slow voice asks for me. I tell her she has the right number, "Oh good!" She's delighted, and her happiness somehow makes me feel better. Then she starts telling me about the summer lineup at the philharmonic, suggesting I buy tickets before it sells out. She wonders, did I buy with my high school discount? I didn't tell her I graduated high school 15 years ago, and I also didn't buy tickets, but those sneaky philharmonic people are pretty clever using old ladies to sell their wares. You can't get mad at them.