For the Store Clerk That Left Me Completely Without Words – I Salute You
It was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the front of the queue had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well was wished a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to see if she did that thing their typical stare, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as identical in effect – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
