To the Store Clerk That Made Me Absolutely Speechless – Kudos to You
This occurred on a day of rest, and I was in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. This was a typical gas station that also functions as a convenience store, which often leads of joining a queue customers carrying goods of pricey provisions. This is a dreadful thing to occur when your only desire is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.
Fourth in line I stood among those waiting. A single person serving, a young woman. There was something unusual to her presence. When the faffer at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, It seemed to me that I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. The thought crossed my mind if she might actually be an ally in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for individuals slowing down straightforward customers including me.
I moved up, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue finished pumping gas with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and few locals tells people a wonderful day, or simply a good day. Very rare. You don’t get people from America knocking around Stourbridge, least of all working in petrol stations or anywhere else.
I was second now. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her basket, her groceries, her purse and her rewards card. It went on for ever. Once completed, the woman also got told an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. Confirming it was possible by saying something hilarious at the cashier, to observe that response as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to say.
In the end, I embraced for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, which amounts to identical in effect – with which she looked straight at me, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.
