Addressing the Cashier Who Made Me Completely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I felt grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for a cleaning product, a baked snack, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too got told an excellent day. Clearly an American. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that response as they gaze at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to express.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, which amounts to the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
