Missing the essential detail
On my way along Water Street to coffee with colleagues this morning, I saw my husband, who was running errands going the opposite direction.  I hardly stopped, since it was a rather crowded sidewalk, but seeing the lack of a shopping bag, I asked him if he had not found what he was after, or if he hadn't gotten there yet.  He answered the latter, and we went on our ways.  My officemate, who had not met Bob, asked me astonishedly, "Who was that man, and why did you ask him if he had any clothespins?"