Addressing the Store Clerk Who Made Me Absolutely Wordless – My Hat's Off to You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. This was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of ending up in line customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. This is a dreadful thing to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
I was fourth in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a youthful clerk. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the front of the queue had completed payment for his purchases, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I was certain overhearing the cashier wish him to have a great day. Unusual. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and used a mocking tone. I wondered if perhaps she was a comrade in the war on delays, sharing my contempt for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers like me.
Taking a step forward, 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.” To be precise, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? She had the accent, and no British person wishes anyone such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Quite out of place. It's uncommon to find people from America knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not employed at gas stations or elsewhere.
Second in line at last. After an elderly lady embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her handbag and her membership pass. It went on for ever. When she was done, she too got told a wonderful day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke in her direction, to check for that thing their typical stare, unsmilingly, and say with absolute sincerity: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or a mimicry of sincerity, essentially the same as the same thing – with which she looked straight at me, piercingly, and bid me a wonderful day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.