To the Store Clerk Who Left Me Completely Speechless – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, filling up the family car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to happen when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only person serving, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain overhearing the cashier bid him an excellent day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down straightforward customers like me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person says to others such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter US citizens frequenting this area, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. This took an eternity. After she finished, the woman also got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to see if she did that response their typical stare, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to express.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
