To the Store Clerk Who Made Me Absolutely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt grumpy enough, refueling the family car. It was a typical gas station that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only person serving, a female attendant. A peculiar quality to her presence. When the faffer at the first position had completed payment for a cleaning product, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me I heard the cashier bid him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down simple fuel-buyers like me.
Taking a step forward, to third in the queue. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and no British person wishes anyone a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper engaged in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her food items, her purse and her rewards card. It went on for ever. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark to her, to observe that thing when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, which amounts to identical in effect – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and told me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
