The Christmas Tree Mess

None of this would ever have happened if United Parcel hadn’t hired a brand-new clerk. And if this clerk didn’t make sevens that look like ones and ones that look like sevens.

“Here’s your desk, and here’s your telephone,” the supervisor told the new clerk, whose name happened to be Fred. “When the phone rings and someone wants something delivered, you fill out this form,” the supervisor continued. “Write in the order number. Put it in this basket.” Then the supervisor was gone. It was nearing Christmas. It was going to be another busy day.