For the Store Clerk That Left Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, refueling the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for individuals slowing down people just getting gas including me.
I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or other places.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to see if she did that response their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
