For the Store Clerk That Left Me Absolutely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, topping off the family car. This was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to complete a simple refueling. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had completed payment for his Viakal, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers like me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get many Americans frequenting this area, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her shopping cart, her food items, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, the woman also received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to observe that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to say.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, that equates to no different – while she stared me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and bid me an awesome day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
