Addressing the Store Clerk Who Left Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
The scene was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off my mother's vehicle. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, so you run the risk of ending up in line shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to occur when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Awful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for his Viakal, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if perhaps she was an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our line finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here tells people a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
I was second now. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her carryall, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to see if she did that response when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to say.
I just had to settle 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. Beneficial indeed.
