For the Store Clerk That Left Me Totally Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
It was a day of rest, and I was grumpy enough, filling up my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to happen when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the queue. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she could even be an ally in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers like me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, she too got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to observe that reaction as they gaze at you, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to utter.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
