For the Checkout Assistant Who Made Me Totally Speechless – Kudos to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I felt grumpy enough, filling up the family car. It was a typical gas station that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to occur when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Awful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. There was only cashier operating, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier tell him an excellent day. Odd. 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, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The person ahead of our line finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens frequenting this area, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious to her, to check for that reaction when they look at you, without a smile, 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 no different – with which she looked straight at me, piercingly, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
