For the Store Clerk That Made Me Absolutely Without Words – My Hat's Off to You
It was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, filling up the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, which often leads of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when all you want is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. Just one cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier tell him to have a great day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my battle with dithering, reflecting my irritation for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
I moved up, now third in line. The next shopper of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, least of all working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her purchases, her wallet and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well was wished to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and told me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.