To the Store Clerk That Made Me Totally Wordless – Kudos to You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, filling up my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that operates as a convenience store, so you run the risk of waiting behind shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. A single employee working, a young woman. There was something unusual about her. When the faffer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a comrade in my battle with dithering, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.
I moved up, to third in the queue. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here says to others those exact words, or simply a good day. Quite out of place. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, certainly not working in petrol stations or other places.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. This took an eternity. After she finished, the woman also was wished a wonderful day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to see if she did that response their typical stare, without a smile, and reply with genuine earnest: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to utter.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – as she gazed me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
