For the Store Clerk Who Made Me Totally Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
I was fourth among those waiting. Just one cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the first position had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers such as myself.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person wishes anyone a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
I was second now. After an elderly lady embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too got told to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to see if she did that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – while she stared me right in the eye, to my very core, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
