To the Checkout Assistant That Made Me Absolutely Wordless – Kudos to You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I was in a foul mood, filling up the family car. This was a typical gas station that doubles as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of waiting behind shoppers with carts of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to happen when your only desire is to complete a simple refueling. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood in the queue. There was only person serving, a young woman. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, his pastry, and his box of eggs, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him a wonderful day. Strange. Perhaps I’d misheard, or maybe she did say it and was being sarcastic. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Advancing next, now third in line. The next shopper of our group discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. A stateside native? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here wishes anyone a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Highly unusual. You don’t get many Americans frequenting this area, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a protracted effort with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. It went on for ever. Once completed, she too was wished an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark to her, to observe that thing when they look at you, stoically, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” But I couldn’t think of a funny comment to say.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a mimicry of sincerity, that equates to no different – as she gazed me right in the eye, deep into my soul, and told me an awesome day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
