To the Store Clerk That Left Me Totally Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to happen when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a young woman. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers like me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here tells people those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not working in petrol stations or other places.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also got told a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to check for that response as they gaze at you, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to express.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
