I Need a Number ...

Actually heard at work ....

I answer calls from a few different behavioral health organizations in another state. One night I got a call that ended up way too confusing for words.

Me: Helpline, this is Chelle, how can I help you?

Caller: Hi there. Earlier today I was talking to Joan Welch (not her real name) who said I needed to call someone. Can you give me that number?

Me: Uh ... what number would that be?

Caller: The number Joan Welch told me about.

Me: Well, this is the after hours line and I'm not even sure who Joan Welch is. You will have to call back in the morning to talk to her.

Caller: No, she doesn't work there. She was a woman I was talking to at Job Service.

Me: Ok, so you need a number to help you with your job?

Caller: No! It has nothing to do with employment. Would you just give me the number Joan Welch told me about?

Me: Ok, let's start at the beginning so I can know how better to serve you here. What is the topic of the number Joan Welch told you about?

Caller: That's too personal. Just give me the number. That's all I ask.

Me: I would love to give you the number, but I have no idea which number to give you. I have so many. I can look according to topic ... like substance abuse, intervention, suicide, runaways, pregnancy, sex addicts ...

Caller: Nevermind. You're too vague for me!

:: caller hangs up ::

Me, to myself: Huh?