Minda 13

The Warden rings a small bell and Day Room conversations taper off.
"First, I'd like to thank y'all for attending. I'll keep this meeting short and hopefully sweet.
"As you are aware, this prison is seen as the ultimate backwater. We've been unable to get a replacement counsellor.
"For anyone who hates appointments, that's good news. But I am informed at least some of you do wish to see a replacement counsellor.
"So here's my plan. Minda is a real genuine counsellor, Masters Degree, years of experience with Jewish Family Services.
"She won't get money off this. Any after tax salary gets donated to her charity of choice.
"Now the critical element. Appointments are not to be compulsory. Your choice whether to book or not. But if you have booked, as a matter of courtesy, you must attend.
"So we vote on the plan Friday. Questions or comments?"
"Uh ma'am that is just like so oppressive, so regimented, so dictatorial. I mean, why can't we just drop in?"
Warden smiles, "it is not intended to regiment you the client, but to regiment the counsellor's time. With your idea, some time slots would have six people showing; other, none."
"Uh ma'am, we can't vote Friday, it's the 13th."
Warden laughs cheerfully, "my friend, take a good look around you. Where are you right now? Can you imagine worse luck than simply being here?"
"Do you realize ma'am, there's people here so superstitious they don't leave their rooms on a Friday the 13th? Get friends to bring a tray from the cafeteria."
"I'm sorry, I had no idea of that. Ok, so how about next Monday?"
"No way ma'am, it's Full Moon, meaning you could get lotsa wierd comments in that ballot box."
Everyone laughs.
"All right then, how about Tuesday?" Pause, "ok, no objections, Tuesday is vote day."