For the Store Clerk That Left Me Completely Wordless – I Salute You
The scene was a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, topping off the family car. It was a common fuel stop that operates as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line customers carrying goods of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the queue. Just one cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier bid him an excellent day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down people just getting gas such as myself.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals wishes anyone those exact words, or even just a nice day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her carryall, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. The process dragged on. After she finished, she too got told an excellent day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to observe that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced the genuine warmth – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and bid me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
