To the Store Clerk Who Made Me Totally Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, filling up the family car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of ending up in line people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the queue. Just one cashier operating, a female attendant. Something stood out about her. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a comrade in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens visiting this town, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by cracking a joke to her, to see if she did that thing as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – as she gazed straight at me, piercingly, and bid me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
