Caller I.D. removes some of the wasted time, but curiousity sometimes gets the better of me and I answer it.
"Hello?" No answer. I know then that this is a solicitation call. But, in for a penny, in for a pound, so…
"Hello?" Just about to hang up, but I hear a voice:
"Our telephone operators are currently busy. Thank you for holding."
Yeah, you got a shot. I’m not in a playful mood, as I’ve been before. Patiently waiting for the live voice, listening for about a full minute, then…
"That sounds really interesting; something I could really use. Oops–the oven timer went off. Do you mind holding a second? … Good.
Eventually they catch on.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology