For the Store Clerk Who Made Me Completely Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, filling up the family car. This was a typical gas station that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
My position was fourth in the queue. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had at last settled for his Viakal, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for those who delay people just getting gas like me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here tells people those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper engaged in a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to observe that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to utter.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. Beneficial indeed.
