Addressing the Store Clerk That Made Me Completely Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a day of rest, and I felt in a foul mood, topping off the family car. It was one of those petrol stations that doubles as a grocery store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a young woman. There was something unusual in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the front of the queue had at last settled for his purchases, his sausage roll, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier bid him to have a great day. Odd. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be a supporter in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers like me.
I moved up, to third in the queue. The next shopper of our line completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “I hope you have a fantastic day.” In fact, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone those exact words, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. It's uncommon to find US citizens visiting this town, least of all holding jobs in fueling spots or elsewhere.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a protracted effort with her basket, her purchases, her purse and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. After she finished, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Definitely from the US. Confirming it was possible by cracking a joke to her, to see if she did that reaction their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” But I couldn’t think of anything hilarious to say.
Ultimately, I accepted the genuine warmth – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – as she gazed directly into my eyes, to my very core, and bid me an awesome day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
