To the Store Clerk Who Made Me Completely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up the family car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, so you run the risk of waiting behind customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
My position was fourth among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be an ally in the war on delays, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up people just getting gas like me.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, certainly not employed at gas stations or other places.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of anything hilarious to utter.
I just had to settle the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – as she gazed straight at me, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
