Addressing the Store Clerk Who Left Me Absolutely Speechless – Kudos to You
This occurred on a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, refueling the family car. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of ending up in line people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
I was fourth in the queue. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him to have a great day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers like me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The new leader of our group completed her gasoline purchase with impressive quickness. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals says to others a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter many Americans visiting this town, least of all working in petrol stations or other places.
I was second now. After an elderly lady engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her groceries, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well received the wish an excellent day. Definitely from the US. I might have verified it by cracking a joke in her direction, to observe that reaction as they gaze at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.
I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – while she stared straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me a wonderful day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
