To the Checkout Assistant Who Left Me Absolutely Without Words – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I was grumpy enough, refueling the family car. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a convenience store, so you run the risk of waiting behind people bearing baskets of slightly overpriced groceries. This is a dreadful thing to occur when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Terrible.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. A single person serving, a female attendant. There was something unusual about her. After the ditherer at the head of the line had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier bid him a wonderful day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers such as myself.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with impressive quickness. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. You don’t get people from America visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Now I stood second. After an elderly lady dealing with a protracted effort with her shopping cart, her purchases, her handbag and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she as well was wished an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by saying something hilarious in her direction, to check for that thing their typical stare, stoically, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as identical in effect – while she stared straight at me, to my very core, and wished me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. It was a good thing.
