For the Store Clerk That Left Me Absolutely Wordless – I Salute You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. It was a typical gas station that doubles as a grocery store, which often leads of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. It's an awful situation to unfold when all you want is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
I was fourth among those waiting. There was only cashier operating, a young woman. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and a carton of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for individuals slowing down straightforward customers such as myself.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The next shopper of our group completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, 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 merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter US citizens knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not working in petrol stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady dealing with a right old battle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her wallet and her membership pass. It went on for ever. After she finished, the woman also got told to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke in her direction, to check for that response when they look at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, to my very core, and wished me to have a great day. I felt better for it. A positive experience.
