For the Store Clerk That Left Me Absolutely Without Words – Kudos to You
It was a day of rest, and I felt sufficiently irritable, topping off my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that operates as a convenience store, meaning there's a chance of joining a queue shoppers with carts of slightly overpriced groceries. It's an awful situation to unfold when all you want is to get gasoline and leave. Awful.
Fourth in line I stood in the waiting line. Just one person serving, a youthful clerk. Something stood out to her presence. When the faffer at the head of the line had finally paid for his purchases, his sausage roll, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier tell him an excellent day. Strange. Could be I misunderstood, or possibly she uttered it and meant it ironically. I pondered if she might actually be a supporter in my battle with dithering, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers including me.
Taking a step forward, becoming the third customer. The new leader of the queue completed her gasoline purchase with notable efficiency. Once more it happened: “Have a wonderful day.” In fact, it was “have a wonderful day”. Someone from the US? At this location? She had the accent, and hardly anyone here says to others a wonderful day, or even just a nice day. Highly unusual. You don’t get many Americans knocking around Stourbridge, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.
Second in line at last. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a lengthy struggle with her shopping cart, her purchases, her purse and her membership pass. The process dragged on. When she was done, she as well received the wish to have a fantastic day. Clearly an American. Confirming it was possible by making a witty remark in her direction, to see if she did that reaction their typical stare, without a smile, and state very earnestly: “That’s really funny.” Yet no idea came of a jest to utter.
Ultimately, I accepted the heartfelt tone – or an impersonation of it, essentially the same as no different – as she gazed straight at me, to my very core, and told me to have a great day. I felt better for it. It was a good thing.
