To the Store Clerk That Made Me Completely Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to happen when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the queue. There was only employee working, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual about her. When the faffer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was a comrade in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up people just getting gas including me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, the woman also was wished an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that thing when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to express.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to identical in effect – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
