For the Store Clerk Who Left Me Totally Speechless – I Salute You
The scene was a Sunday morning, and I found myself in a foul mood, topping off my mum’s car. It was one of those petrol stations that also functions as a grocery store, so you run the risk of joining a queue customers carrying goods of somewhat expensive items. It's an awful situation to unfold when the sole aim is to pay for some fuel. Terrible.
I was fourth among those waiting. A single cashier operating, a young woman. There was something unusual in her demeanor. Once the slowpoke at the first position had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and some breakfast items, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in my fight against faff, reflecting my irritation for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers such as myself.
Advancing next, becoming the third customer. The new leader of our group finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” No, actually, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? Here in Stourbridge? The pronunciation indicated it, and hardly anyone here tells people a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. It's uncommon to find many Americans visiting this town, least of all employed at gas stations or anywhere else.
Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman embroiled in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her groceries, her purse and her loyalty card. The process dragged on. When she was done, she too received the wish an excellent day. Clearly an American. I could have confirmed it by making a witty remark at the cashier, to check for that thing their typical stare, without a smile, and say with absolute sincerity: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of a funny comment to say.
I just had to settle the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, which amounts to the same thing – while she stared me right in the eye, piercingly, and told me to have a great day. My spirits lifted. Beneficial indeed.
