To the Cashier Who Left Me Totally Speechless – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I was sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. The location was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to happen when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality to her presence. Once the slowpoke at the head of the line had completed payment for his Viakal, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Odd. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and was being sarcastic. I pondered if she might actually be a comrade in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for people who hold up straightforward customers such as myself.
Advancing next, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” To be precise, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? In Stourbridge? She had the accent, and few locals wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, least of all employed at gas stations or other places.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady engaged in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her food items, her handbag and her rewards card. This took an eternity. Once completed, she too was wished an excellent day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to check for that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to express.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – with which she looked directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
