Was standing in line at the check out at walmart several years ago, and wasn't evesdropping but caught the conversation part way though:
............it died.
Mumble mumble.....
........I forgot to feed it.
At this point I am about to punch her lights out AND call the cops.
Turns out she was talking about her sourdough starter. Cuz like I couldn't let that go, and had to ask.
I was working at remote camp for young offenders
a cpl came to the warehouse door crying
wanting to use the phone
this was long b4 cell phones
they explained that police had come to their camp and said "phone home rite now"
since we were the nearest phone, they showed up at my door.
they had left their teens at home and were devastated with worry.
I had to dial the number for them and handed the phone to the woman.
after a few minutes she let out a big sigh and said "harry died"
they were relieved. I was confused.
they had thot something had happened to their kids
but uncle harry had been at deaths door for months/.
never saw someone so happy to hear of a death