A Really Crappy Sales Clerk

A clerk in a pharmacy had just been called into the boss's office and lectured for missing too many sales. “I’m sorry” the boss said “But one more missed sale and you're fired.”

The next customer that came in had a terrible cough and asked the very same clerk for help. Unable to recall where the cough remedies were shelved, the nervous clerk pointed to a box of Ex-Lax and said “Here, buy these and then go over to our water fountain and take all of it with plenty of water”.

The customer thanked the clerk and did as directed. Finishing his last paper cup of water, he exited the pharmacy. Once outside he stopped, swooned a bit, and carefully grabbed a telephone pole for support. The boss, having witnessed the entire scene, approached the clerk and asked him what he had recommended.

“Ex-Lax,” says the clerk hesitantly.
“Ex-Lax!” yells the boss. “That won't help a cough.”
“Sure it does,” says the clerk. “Look... he’s afraid to cough.”