For the Store Clerk Who Left Me Completely Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I found myself sufficiently irritable, filling up my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a supermarket, so you run the risk of joining a queue people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
My position was fourth in the queue. A single person serving, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him to have a great day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or perhaps she spoke and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for those who delay simple fuel-buyers including me.
I moved up, now third in line. The person ahead of our line finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? In Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person says to others a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find people from America frequenting this area, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her food items, her wallet and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too received the wish an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to check for that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to express.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
