Who doesn't love getting presents ... particularly, when they're unexpected?
So you can imagine my glee when a relatively large package was delivered to my office just the other day. After carefully ripping open the seal and removing the multiple layers of bubble wrap, I uncovered a wooden box of very expensive cigars.
A classy touch, I thought. Who could the generous donor be? To my chagrin, no invoice, note, packing slip or gift card accompanied the delivery.
I surmised the cigars were sent to help celebrate the firm's name change (since there were no other life events that otherwise warranted the delivery). But who could the sender be?
I immediately thought of friends and colleagues who are cigar aficionados, but none would go to the expense of sending me this kind of gift.
Stumped, I decided to contact the merchant identified on the return label to see if I could secure the purchaser's identity. To my dismay, the representatives were extremely uncooperative.
"Sorry, sir, but we are not permitted to disclose the recipient's identity," counseled one customer service representative.
"That's not going to do me or your customer much good," I responded.
"Sorry, sir. Company policy." Advised another.
So, to the mystery sender, whomever you may be, thank you! Your thoughtful gesture was most unnecessary, but greatly appreciated.
There's just one small problem:
Je ne fume pas.
Ich rauche nicht.
Eu não fumo.
Non fumo.
No fumo.
Maybe next time, booze?