plonq | Alone again

I don't mind having the office to myself, but I could do without the steady stream of people who parade through here. Most just pop their heads in the door and then quietly leave when they see that the person they are seeking isn't here. They annoy me the most because they keep coming back again and again, hoping that he'll be here the next time they try. When they do finally ask for the person, the conversation usually goes like this:

Is (x) here?
No, he's in Calgary.
What's he doing there?
Working, I assume.
When is he coming back?
Monday.
(cue whiny voice) But I need [something that only (x) can provide].
Then it will have to wait until Monday.
Well can you do [something that only (x) can provide]?
No.

Is (y) here?
Not yet.
Is he coming in today?
He hasn't called to say that he won't be in.
What time do you think he'll be in?
Do I look like his keeper?
Oh. Well, if you see him can you tell him that (z) is looking for him?
Sure. (thinking) [...though you could learn how to write, or use his voice mail and leave him a message.]