(My friend and I are really big Doctor Who fans, and we are also crafty. One day, she makes me a T.A.R.D.I.S. bracelet out of duct tape. FYI: the T.A.R.D.I.S. is the Doctor’s transport and is in the shape of big, blue police box. I am working in the drive-thru when this took place.)

Me: “Hello, that is going to be [price].”

Customer: *hands me her money*

Me: “Your change is [amount].”

Customer: “What an interesting bracelet!”

Me: “Oh, thank you. A friend of mine made it.”

Customer: “What is it supposed to be?”

(I’m holding my hand out so that she can take a better look at it.)

Me: “It’s a Tardis.”

Customer: *blank look*

Me: “Ma’am?”

Customer: “That is just terrible!”

Me: “Huh?”

Customer: “Using the ‘R’ word isn’t bad enough for you kids? Now you have to come up with some slang term? That is terrible!”

Me: “The… ‘R’ word?”

Customer: “RETARD!”

Me: “Ma’am, the Tardis is a shop from a sci-fi show… not slang for retard.”

Customer: “Don’t you give me any excuses, little missy. You are in a lot of trouble. Wearing something to promote calling retards retarded is despicable. I need to speak to your manager!”

(Despite trying to explain otherwise, my manager had to give her a free coupon to keep her from calling corporate to complain. I also can’t wear the bracelet to work anymore. It sometimes sucks being a nerdy girl in a small town.)