A Modern Christmas Tale

Once upon a time in the land of Caesar and the Romans, Mr and Mrs. Ittboss and their infant child arrived tired and travel sore at the door of a wealthy Innkeeper.

Now, fortunately, our intrepid parents were in possession of a reservation and so were not banished to the stables as was common in those days.

Later that evening, having settled themselves in their room, their infant child became hungry and needed nourishment. Seeing that there was no hearth or stove or kettle in their room to boil some water, Mr. Ittboss asked the Innkeeper if he could supply some hot, sterile water.

"A simple pot of boiled tap-water is all that we require to mix our child's formula", said Mr. Ittboss

"Ah ah", thought the Innkeeper, "why should the price of the same product (water) at the same establishment vary, depending on the age of the person, for whom it is [allegedly or genuinely] intended?"

His eyes narrowed and he smiled broadly as he said, "Of course Mr. Ittboss, that will be EUR6.00 please."

My Ittboss was shocked. "Surely there is some mistake? I will gladly fill your kettle and boil it myself for my child needs safe water for his feed."

But the Innkeeper hardened his heart and turned away saying only "EUR6.00 please", as he left

Mr Ittboss looked up in despair, praying silently into the ether. Hoping someone was listening.....

That night the Innkeeper was visited by an Angel from Corporate Customer Care.

"Innkeeper", said the Angel, "Why did you profit excessively from that hungry babe?"

"Well", said the Innkeeper, "if I visualise the crying child as a fat business traveller hoping to avoid a mini-bar charge I found I could assuage my guilt. I mean, surely it makes no difference whether it is a baby consuming my boiling water or a size 0 supermodel who lives on hot water and fresh air. I should charge them both for my services?"

The Angel sighed, wondering if all judgement, common sense and goodness had finally gone out of the world.

"No, Innkeeper", he said finally, "you have been led astray. A fat business traveller or the supermodel could have drunk your tapwater if they wished to avoid your charge. They had a choice. The infant child needs boiling water for its feed and has no other choice. You took advantage of the weak and needy and that is wrong"

The Innkeeper felt ashamed.

"Oh Angel", he said, "what can I do?"

"In future you will welcome infants to your Inn with the promise of free boiled water. We will also contact Mr & Mrs Ittboss together and offer them our apologies and a token of our regret", pronounced the Angel.

"Yes, Angel", smiled the Innkeeper. "That is just and fair. God bless us everyone!"

THE END