For the Store Clerk Who Left Me Completely Without Words – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I found myself in a foul mood, refueling my mum’s car. It was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and a carton of eggs, I was certain that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Strange. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of the queue discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here tells people such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. You don’t get people from America frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her membership pass. This took an eternity. When she was done, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to observe that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a performance of it, that equates to identical in effect – with which she looked me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and wished me an awesome day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
