Addressing the Store Clerk Who Left Me Completely Without Words – Kudos to You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, which often leads of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to occur when your only desire is to pay for some fuel. Dreadful.
My position was fourth in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a young woman. A peculiar quality about her. When the faffer at the front of the queue had finally paid for his Viakal, his pastry, and his box of eggs, I could have sworn overhearing the cashier wish him an excellent day. Odd. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she could even be a supporter in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. And there it was again: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and hardly anyone here tells people such a cheerful phrase, or even just a nice day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. After she finished, the woman also received the wish a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark at the cashier, to see if she did that thing when they look at you, stoically, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. A positive experience.
