To the Store Clerk That Left Me Completely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
It was a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. It was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of waiting behind people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. When she was done, the woman also received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke to her, to see if she did that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to utter.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as no different – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
