Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Completely Speechless – My Hat's Off to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I found myself grumpy enough, refueling the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that operates as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
I was fourth among those waiting. A single cashier operating, a youthful clerk. There was something unusual in her demeanor. When the faffer at the first position had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn that I heard the cashier tell him a wonderful day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be a comrade in my fight against faff, echoing my disdain for people who hold up people just getting gas like me.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The person ahead of our line completed her gasoline purchase with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. An American? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America frequenting this area, certainly not holding jobs in fueling spots or other places.
Now I stood second. Following a senior shopper dealing with a right old battle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her wallet and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she too received the wish to have a fantastic day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that thing when they look at you, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked straight at me, to my very core, and wished me an awesome day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
