In Lieu of a Message

[hypothermya]

Just had the strangest conversation with an after hours nurse at my clinic:

(ring -- ring -- ring)

"Hello?"
"Oh, hi. I was returning a call that I got from Elaine, my doctor's nurse. Is she there?"
"Oh, no, it's after hours."
"Okay, can you connect me to her voicemail?"
"No, it's after hours."
"Oh, I think you misunderstood me. I know it's after hours -- that's why I want to leave a message."
"You can't leave a message."
"I can't?"
"No, it's after hours."
"Well, that's funny. Normally voicemail is specifically intended to be used after hours. You know, when the person isn't in the office."

(silence)

"So I can't leave a message at all...?"
"No."
"And when can I leave a message?"
"Oh, well, the clinic is open again on Monday. You can leave a message then."
"So...you're telling me to wait until the beginning of the business day, three days from now, and to call back specifically to leave a message?"
"Yes."
"Even though she'll be working then, and I could talk to her in person?"

(silence)

"Okay, well, thanks. You've been very help- ... well ... not ... I'll call back on Monday."

(click)