To the Store Clerk Who Left Me Totally Wordless – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, refueling my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if perhaps she was a supporter in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our group completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, she as well was wished an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark to her, to check for that response when they look at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed me right in the eye, to my very core, and told me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
