For the Store Clerk Who Made Me Totally Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I was grumpy enough, refueling my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a female attendant. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The person ahead of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here tells people such a cheerful phrase, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get US citizens visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her purse and her rewards card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that response as they gaze at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
