10/12/10

A script:

Here's a script from what happened to me today.
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(I drive into the BBVA Compass Bank parking lot at exactly 4:52 p.m. I wait in a line of cars for my turn until 5:04 p.m. At precicely 5:04 p.m. I pull up to the farthest left spot, so I'm right at the window. There were/are two other cars behind me. The guy behind the window, is sweating, so much that I notice.)

Him-
Hello. How are you?

Me-
I'm good, need to cash this.

(I show him the already prepared check, and my ID)

Him-
I'm sorry sir. It's after 5 and we close at 5.

(I look at the clock in my car.)

Him-
It's 5:04. Four minutes after the hour.

Me-
But I've been waiting in the line for ten minutes.

Him-
I'm sorry sir, I have two other customers in front of you.

Me-
That's fine, but I was here before 5.

Him-
Sir, there's nothing I can do.

Me-
(silence)
Sure there is, you can cash my check.

Him-
I can't. We close at 5.

Me-
I understand, but I've been in the line since before 5.

Him-
I can't help you.

Me-
Yes you can.

Him-
We close at 5.

Me-
You guys should put some kind of cone back there where the line begins so that people don't wait in it forever just to have you say that you're closed.

Him-
(he points at the red/green lights that are right above the individual lanes)
I turned the lights to red at 5 when we closed.

Me-
From the back of the line I can't see those lights.

Him-
(getting smart)
I'm sorry, sir.

Me-
So you're not going to cash my check?

Him-
I'm sorry sir, there's nothing I can do. We...

(I stop him)

Me-
You close at five?

Him-
Yes.

Me-
Well, thanks.

(I drive off)
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I'm calling their office tomorrow.