To the Store Clerk That Left Me Completely Without Words – Kudos to You
This occurred on a weekend morning, and I was in a foul mood, filling up my mum’s car. The location was a typical gas station that also functions as a supermarket, which often leads of waiting behind 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. Just one employee working, a youthful clerk. Something stood out in her demeanor. After the ditherer at the head of the line had at last settled for his purchases, a baked snack, and his box of eggs, I was certain I heard the cashier wish him to have a great day. Unusual. Perhaps I’d misheard, or perhaps she spoke and meant it ironically. I wondered if she might actually be an ally in the war on delays, echoing my disdain for people who hold up simple fuel-buyers including me.
Taking a step forward, now third in line. The person ahead of the queue finished pumping gas with notable efficiency. Again, the phrase came: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “may your day be absolutely splendid”. Someone from the US? At this location? The pronunciation indicated it, and no British person tells people a wonderful day, or merely a pleasant day. Highly unusual. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, and definitely not working in petrol stations or other places.
I was second now. Following a senior shopper embroiled in a protracted effort with her basket, her groceries, her wallet and her loyalty card. This took an eternity. Once completed, she too was wished an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I could have confirmed it by cracking a joke at the cashier, to observe that reaction as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and reply with genuine earnest: “That is quite humorous.” Yet no idea came of a funny comment to say.
Ultimately, I accepted for the absolute sincerity – or a performance of it, essentially the same as no different – with which she looked straight at me, deep into my soul, and wished me to have a great day. It improved my mood. Beneficial indeed.
