To the Store Clerk Who Made Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt in a foul mood, refueling the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that doubles as a supermarket, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue people bearing baskets of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
I was fourth in the queue. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me overhearing the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. The thought crossed my mind if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Quite out of place. You don’t get US citizens frequenting this area, certainly not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her food items, her wallet and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too was wished a wonderful day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke at the cashier, to check for that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to express.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
